Eddie Hearn provides big update on who he thinks Anthony Joshua will fight next

Eddie Hearn Provides Big Update on Anthony Joshua’s Next Opponent

Anthony Joshua’s boxing future has been the subject of intense speculation, with fans eagerly awaiting news on who the former two-time world heavyweight champion will face next. Promoter Eddie Hearn, who has been instrumental in managing Joshua’s career, recently provided a major update on the potential direction of the British boxer’s next bout.

Joshua’s Recent Comeback

Joshua has been in the process of rebuilding after his two consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022, which cost him the unified WBA, WBO, IBF, and IBO heavyweight titles. His comeback fight in April 2023 against American Jermaine Franklin resulted in a unanimous decision win, but left some fans wanting a more definitive statement from Joshua in the ring. His August knockout win against Robert Helenius, while a boost for his confidence, sparked fresh debates about his path forward and the quality of his opposition.

With the heavyweight division stacked with talent, including the likes of Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, and Oleksandr Usyk, there are no shortage of exciting potential matchups. But for Hearn and Joshua, the decision has been about finding the right balance of challenge and timing.

Hearn’s Latest Insights

Speaking in a recent interview, Eddie Hearn revealed that Joshua is eager to face top-tier opposition in his next outing, and talks are well underway to finalize a major opponent. While Hearn did not give a definitive name, he did hint at three possible directions for Joshua’s career.

1. Deontay Wilder – The former WBC heavyweight champion has been a target for Joshua’s team for several years. A fight between Joshua and Wilder would be one of the biggest in the sport, pitting two of the hardest punchers in the heavyweight division against each other. Hearn mentioned that discussions between the two camps have been ongoing, with Saudi Arabia emerging as a likely venue for such a blockbuster showdown. According to Hearn, “The Wilder fight is the one that makes the most sense for both guys. It’s a fight the fans want to see, and both AJ and Deontay want to make it happen.”

2. Tyson Fury – Another name that has been consistently linked to Joshua is current WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. Although Fury is set to face Francis Ngannou in a crossover bout, Hearn indicated that a Joshua-Fury fight could still be on the cards for 2024. “AJ vs. Fury is a fight we’ve been trying to make for years. It’s the biggest fight in British boxing history, and it’s one we still believe will happen,” Hearn stated. However, he also acknowledged that this fight might take longer to materialize given Fury’s other commitments.

3. Dillian Whyte – A third option could be a rematch with British rival Dillian Whyte. The two fought in 2015, with Joshua stopping Whyte in the seventh round in a thrilling encounter. Hearn hinted that while this option might not be as appealing to global audiences, it still holds significant value in the UK. “Dillian is always ready for a scrap, and if we can’t secure Wilder or Fury right away, Whyte would be a great alternative for AJ to stay active.”

 

Timing and Venue

One of the key factors influencing Joshua’s next fight will be timing. Hearn indicated that Joshua is looking to return to the ring by the end of 2024, with a major event likely to take place in the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia. This region has become a hub for high-profile boxing events, offering massive financial incentives for both fighters and promoters.

However, Hearn also mentioned that there’s still the possibility of a fight happening in the UK. “Joshua loves fighting in front of the British fans. If the conditions are right, a massive stadium fight in the UK is always on the table.”

Conclusion

With Eddie Hearn providing these tantalizing updates, it appears that Anthony Joshua’s next opponent could be one of the most significant of his career. Whether it’s Wilder, Fury, or Whyte, fans are guaranteed an exciting showdown. Joshua is determined to climb back to the top of the heavyweight division, and with Hearn’s guidance, his next fight could be a pivotal step in reclaiming his status as the world’s best.

As boxing fans eagerly await confirmation, one thing is certain: Anthony Joshua’s next move will be one of the most anticipated events in the sport.