Eddie Hearn says "caged lion" Anthony Joshua wants to fight the likes of Deontay Wilder, Luis Ortiz or Joe Joyce before a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.

Usyk outclassed Joshua last September to win the WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO world heavyweight titles.

With Usyk in Ukraine to defend his country following the Russian invasion, Joshua must wait for a second fight with the 35-year-old.

Hearn, Joshua's promoter, says Joshua is eager for a big challenge before doing battle with Usyk again.

"If we can't fight him in May or early June, we would like an interim fight before we go into the Usyk fight," he told the 5 Live Boxing podcast.

"AJ's idea of an interim bout is very different to mine. An interim bout while you're waiting should be a nice little stroll in the park.

"He's messaging me saying: 'What about Wilder? What about Otto Wallin? What about Luis Ortiz? What about Joe Joyce?'

"But this is AJ all over. He's like a caged lion."

Hearn added: "The most important thing is he rematches Oleksandr Usyk. He's turned down a lot of money not to and he's not about to let that opportunity go.

"I think now's the time to have an easy touch. He doesn't. He wants to prepare. Maybe Ortiz, maybe Wilder in that southpaw gearing him up for Usyk.

"I expect if he does have an interim, knowing Anthony Joshua, it'll be a real fight."