Anthony Joshua is determined to do everything he can in his bid to become the undisputed champion of the heavyweight division.
Daniel Dubois is next up for the 2012 Olympic champion on September 21 for the IBF title, with the winner set to face whoever is victorious in the rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury.
Although Anthony Joshua has dreamed of a clash against British rival Fury, the opportunity to face Usyk and avenge his two previous defeats to the Ukrainian remains a tantalizing prospect.
Anthony Joshua ‘wants a legacy’ says Barry Hearn
Given that Joshua, Usyk, and Fury are all on the wrong side of 30, time is running out for one of the trio to end their heavyweight battle on top.
Joshua’s preference is to fight Fury – a bout that British boxing fans would prefer – but Barry Hearn revealed that the motivation to beat anyone in the division is well and truly there.
He told Sky Sports: “He wants to beat Usyk. Because the first fight he had with Usyk, frankly he came out second best.
“He went away, he regrouped, he learned, he studied and he still got beat in the second fight. That’s why he got so disappointed in the second fight.
“These people want to win and they want a legacy. I don’t think Anthony Joshua will sleep at night until he is unified.”
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Will Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury ever happen?
On the face of it, many would be forgiven for thinking that Joshua vs Fury will only happen if the two win their upcoming fights. However, Hearn Snr suggested that the sought-after fight will take place, no matter what.
“Joshua against Tyson Fury in early 2025 is the fight that we have a responsibility to deliver and we don’t walk away from our responsibilities,” Hearn continued.
“I think it’s all of our duty, those involved. We have to keep delivering the very best product.
“There is no bigger fight in the world still than Fury and AJ. It’s the one the world’s waiting for. There isn’t a venue big enough to stage the number of people that would like to attend that. It will be colossal.”