EDDIE HEAN has ruled out Anthony Joshua returning in an "easy fight" and will instead face "a quality heavyweight".
Joshua is set for an April 1 comeback bout at the O2 Arena, following two consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk.
AJ has once again chosen a new coach and will conduct his whole training camp in America.
Joshua's new cornerman is set to get the final say on his return opponent but Hearn insisted it will be a worthwhile name.
He told iFL TV: “He will be fighting a real fight, it will be against a quality heavyweight, and that is being closed at the moment.
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"We’re not taking an easy fight. I think you’ll be happy with the opponent. If we get the guy we want."
Joshua, 33, was beaten twice by Usyk, 35, in the space of 11 months, most recently in August and subsequently took some time out.
But he returns with the view to rematch Dillian Whyte, 34, in the summer before leading him into another title challenge.
Hearn said: “He’s going to fight three times this year. April the 1st, July, and December. That’s the plan.
"He needs this to be a competitive fight [in April], and then move on to a big stadium fight and close the year with a massive fight and hopefully a fight that will lead him to the world heavyweight championship because that is the aim.
"To become a three-time heavyweight champion. He’ll be heading to America very soon.
"There’s a lot of speculation about his new trainer, which has been selected. April 1st is the proposed date for his return at the O2 Arena."
