By John MacDonald

Both HBO and Showtime are vying for the exclusive T.V rights to broadcast Anthony Joshua’s first defence of his IBF heavyweight title, according to his promoter Eddie Hearn.

Joshua (16-0, 16 KOs) captured the title on Saturday by blasting out Charles Martin within two rounds. The contest was broadcasted live on Showtime in the United States and Showtime Sports Executive – Stephen Espinoza – has since told RingTV.com that he wants to keep the new heavyweight titlist on the network “for the rest of his career.”

However, it appears the broadcaster will face competition from their biggest rivals – HBO. With his punch power, chiseled physique and now a version of the heavyweight title around his waist, the 2012 Olympic Gold medallist has become one of the hottest properties in the sport. Promoter Eddie Hearn is looking for the backing of one the two television giants to help turn Joshua into a global superstar.

“Both the major networks – Showtime and HBO – are showing significant interest in Anthony Joshua. We are looking for a partner that will invest in Anthony’s profile,” Hearn told BoxingScene.

“Saturday was his first fight on Showtime and the response has been fantastic. Stephen [Espinoza] has made it quite clear of his intention with Joshua. I’ve been beating the drum about Joshua to Stephen Espinoza and to Peter Nelson [HBO Sports Executive Vice President] for a couple of years now and I’m so pleased we’ve finally got their attentions.

“I’ve long since felt the U.K has been a global force in boxing and in recent years it has – in my opinion – taken over from the rest of the world. The one thing we’ve been lacking is a British superstar, who boxes in England that grabs the attention of the U.S. broadcasters.”

As previously reported on BoxingScene, Joshua will likely return to the ring on either June 25 or July 9, in England. With the fight now almost certain to be shown on U.S television, Hearn revealed this has made it likely that the opponent will be from North America.

Due to the interest from the U.S. it’s likely the opponent will be from the side of the Atlantic,” Hearn said. “With names like: [Bryant] Jennings, [Bermane] Stiverne, [Eric] Molina, [Malik] Scott,[Dominic] Breazeale all in the mix for the first defence.”