Anthony Joshua’s new opponent to be decided TODAY as 41-year-old Deontay Wilder team-mate front runner to land fight

ANTHONY JOSHUA will learn the identity of his new short-notice opponent later today.

AJ was set to renew his feud with Dillian Whyte on Saturday night before a third-career-failed drug test for his long-time rival scuppered the domestic dust-up at The O2.

Reuters

Anthony Joshua’s rematch with Dillian Whyte was axed last weekend[/caption]

PA

The fight was axed after Whyte returned the third failed drugs test of his career[/caption]

ALAMY

Eddie Hearn has worked around the clock to try and find a new opponent for AJ[/caption]

GETTY

America Gerald Washington is the frontrunner to replace Whyte[/caption]

Promoter Eddie Hearn has worked frantically over the weekend to try and secure a replacement for Whyte, who faces yet another battle to clear his name.

And SunSport understands Matchroom and Joshua’s 258 Management team will finalise his new opponent by the end of play today.

Former unified heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr has thrown his hat into the ring for a trilogy fight with the Watford warrior.

Even old warhorse Derek Chisora has publicly campaigned to fight his long-time pal.

But as SunSport revealed on Saturday night, American Gerald Washington is the current frontrunner to win the lucrative AJ sweepstakes.

Washington, 41, was scheduled to throw down with Chisora on the undercard of the show and would be the ideal replacement.

The Yank’s height and ranginess would be ideal for Joshua to prepare for his long-overdue grudge match with Deontay Wilder.

Washington is a member of Team Wilder and trains with Bronze Bomber’s head coach Malik Scott.

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The meticulous Scott will no doubt welcome the match-up as it will allow him to get an up-close and personal look at the Brit.

Joshua, 33, has yet to comment on the cancellation of his second professional showdown with Whyte.

Whyte, however, denied intentionally doping hours after the news broke and vowed to clear his name.

The Brixton Body Snatcher said: “I am shocked and devastated to learn of a report by VADA of adverse findings relating to me.

AP

Dillian Whyte has vowed to clear his name after his third failed drugs test[/caption]

“I only learned of it this morning and am still reacting to it.

“I have also just seen the fight is being cancelled without having any chance to demonstrate my innocence before the decision was taken.

“I can confirm without a shadow of a doubt that I have not take the reported substance, in this camp or at any point in my life.

“I am completely innocent and ask to be given the time to go through the process of proving this without anybody jumping to conclusions or a trial by media.”