Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has admitted that Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder is not necessarily a fight he is targeting, despite recent discussions.
Joshua has been out of action since losing to Daniel Dubois in Wembley Stadium in September but is seemingly looking for an opponent ahead of a 2025 return.
Wilder is understood to be returning in April against an 18-11 professional. However, Turki Alalshikh said that he was interested in making a fight between Wilder and ‘AJ’.
However, a fight between the two former champions is not a priority in the eyes of Hearn, who has other plans for Joshua.
Eddie Hearn not targeting Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder showdown
Hearn has responded to talks of a potential bout between Joshua and Wilder by saying that it is not something he is interested in.
Although saying that it would be a “big fight,” Hearn added “It’s not honestly one of the fights that we’re targeting,” when speaking to Ring Magazine.
However, Hearn did say that in a conversation with Alalshikh, the Saudi Arabian reiterated his desire to make the fight. The British boxing promoter said that he doesn’t mind having a look at that fight, but only if his targeted bouts for Joshua fall through.
It appeared as if a fight between Joshua and Wilder was close in December of 2023. Both fighters shared a card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and were set to be matched with one another following the event.
Joshua defeated Otto Wallin, however, Wilder lost his bout to Joseph Parker, meaning the fight was never made.
Eddie Hearn names the two options he is targeting for Anthony Joshua
Although not showing immediate interest in a Wilder vs Joshua fight, Hearn has said that it could be a possibility if his two preferred fights do not happen.
The first fight that Hearn said they are targeting is Tyson Fury. However, Fury recently announced his retirement, meaning the bout is far from a certainty.
As for the other option for Joshua, Hearn mentioned the winner of Dubois vs Parker, who are set to fight on February 22nd.
Although showing clear interest in the above two options, Hearn said they would be “fine” if neither of the bouts were plausible. The boxing promoter feels there are plenty of options for his fighter, including Martin Bakole who called out Joshua to fight in Africa.
Hearn wrapped up the topic by saying that “AJ would fight anyone.”