Eddie Hearn shares insights on Anthony Joshua's boxing future and the possibility of exciting match-ups.
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The world of boxing is buzzing with speculation regarding Anthony Joshua‘s next moves in the ring. With a prolonged absence of 14 months following a defeat, fans and pundits alike are eager to see the two-time heavyweight champion back in action.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has shed light on potential opponents, notably the controversial figure of Jake Paul, but also hinted at more significant fights on the horizon, particularly against Tyson Fury.
Anthony Joshua’s potential return
After a tough loss to Daniel Dubois that halted his momentum, Joshua is reportedly considering a comeback fight.
Hearn indicated that initial discussions have taken place regarding a bout with Paul, a former YouTuber who has transitioned into boxing. This match could serve as a crucial stepping stone for Joshua as he seeks to regain his status in the heavyweight division.
Jake Paul: A viable opponent?
While the idea of Joshua facing Paul has generated significant interest, Hearn was quick to clarify that no formal agreement has been reached. He emphasized the need for Joshua to have a preparatory fight before diving into a more demanding matchup. Hearn stated, “Everyone jumped the gun last night. There have been some conversations, but we are primarily focused on a big fight against Tyson Fury.” This suggests that while Paul may be on the radar, the timing and circumstances surrounding the fight are far from certain.
Future plans and expectations
Looking ahead, the heavyweight boxing landscape is shifting. Hearn revealed the involvement of Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, who has ambitious plans for Joshua’s fight schedule. Hearn noted that Alalshikh has made it clear that he intends to facilitate the highly anticipated clash between Joshua and Fury, potentially setting the stage for an epic showdown in the future.
Strategizing Joshua’s comeback
Hearn is adamant that any fight involving Joshua will be meticulously planned in collaboration with Alalshikh. “Everything we do with Anthony Joshua will be under his guidance. He has provided us with incredible opportunities, and we will develop a game plan accordingly,” Hearn explained. This partnership could yield significant benefits for Joshua, especially with the prospect of fighting a top-tier opponent like Fury looming in the near future.
Challenges and considerations
Joshua’s recent inactivity poses a challenge as he looks to re-establish himself in the boxing world. Hearn acknowledged that a warm-up fight is essential to regain Joshua’s competitive edge. He expressed enthusiasm about the possibility, saying, “I think it would be so good for him but bizarre at the same time because there’s no money in the fight. We’re not going to start using him to sell tickets; literally, he will just pop up on a show.” This indicates that while the fight may not be financially lucrative, it is invaluable for Joshua’s career trajectory.
As the boxing community watches closely, the outcome of Joshua’s next steps remains uncertain. With the potential fight against Paul being a subject of fervent discussion, the heavyweight champion’s future fights could redefine his legacy in the sport. The anticipation of a possible match against Fury only adds to the excitement surrounding Joshua’s return.
In summary, while Eddie Hearn has raised the prospect of Joshua facing Jake Paul, he stresses that the focus remains on larger ambitions, including a highly awaited bout with Tyson Fury. The boxing world eagerly awaits confirmation of Joshua’s next move, as fans hope to see one of the sport’s biggest stars back in the ring soon.
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