Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has made his intentions for Anthony Joshua clear in 2025.
It appeared that an all-British affair was on the cards for Joshua against Tyson Fury, following the ‘Gypsy King’s’ loss to Oleksandr Usyk in December of 2024. However, Fury’s shock retirement has made the bout seem less likely.
Now, ‘AJ’ will have to turn his attention elsewhere if he wishes to compete in 2025.
Although Martin Bakole has called out Joshua, Hearn has remained adamant about what he wants for his fighter.
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Eddie Hearn wants Anthony Joshua to reclaim world heavyweight title
Despite Hearn reserving Wembley Stadium for Joshua vs Fury in the summer, the promoter has shifted his goals for ‘AJ’.
Joshua lost his bout to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, missing out on a chance to reclaim a world heavyweight title. However, despite the loss, Hearn still wants to see his fighter win a heavyweight belt.
“The focus remains the world heavyweight title,” Hearn told Chris Mannix on the DAZN broadcast on Saturday night.
The boxing promoter would go on to say that all eyes will be fixed on February 22nd when Dubois faces Joseph Parker in Saudi Arabia for the IBF World Heavyweight title. “We’d love the winner of that [fight].”
Regardless of the winner, Joshua would be going into a rematch should he get the victor of the title bout. The British fighter faced Parker in 2018, defeating the Australian via unanimous decision.
However, Hearn has also said that the winner of the bout may not be a possibility for Joshua, but is still keen to get a matchup for the former champion. “If that [the winner of Dubois vs Parker] is not possible, we need an opponent. [Agit] Kabayel against [Zhilei] Zhang is on the same card.”
Hearn also mentioned Bakole as a potential option for Joshua.
- READ MORE: Tyson Fury’s promoter offers key update on shock ‘retirement’ as Anthony Joshua fight rumors persist
Eddie Hearn not completely writing off Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder
Following the news of Fury’s retirement, Turki Alalshikh publically declared his interest in a fight between Joshua and Deontay Wilder. However, Hearn has remained adamant that Joshua’s focus is on reclaiming a world title.
Despite the clear goal for Joshua, Hearn did not completely dismiss the Wilder fight. “AJ-Wilder is still must watch TV. And although the focus is the world heavyweight champion, if that’s not available, we have to look at all options.”
Both Joshua and Wilder were closing in on a bout with one another in 2023, however, the ‘Bronze Bomber’s’ loss to Parker would seemingly stop negotiations.
However, the two may finally face one another in 2025.