Eddie Hearn has claimed that a promoter has lied about a recent fight announcement where contracts were supposedly signed.
Many different boxers are mentioned when Anthony Joshua’s next opponent is discussed.
Tyson Fury’s retirement has seemingly disrupted a fight that Joshua favored for himself, meaning other names have to be considered.
Turki Alalshikh has expressed interest in making a fight between ‘AJ’ and Deontay Wilder, however, Eddie Hearn has said the focus of Joshua is to reclaim a world title.
Martin Bakole has also called out Johsua on numerous occasions, specifically for a fight in Africa. However, conflicting statements are being made in the boxing world in relation to the fight.
Ben Shalom lying about Martin Bakole vs Anthony Joshua status says Eddie Hearn
Ben Shalom and Bakole have both recently said that a fight with Joshua will come to fruition this year. This includes the boxing promoter stating that Joshua had signed a contract to fight Bakole.
However, Hearn has told Seconds Out that the allegations made by Shalom are not true. “When Ben Shalom said that AJ had signed and it was done to fight Bakole… I woke up and I messaged him and said, ‘You must have had a good night'”.
“We’ve not had one conversation about anyone fighting Joshua. Not Wilder, not Bakole, not Dubois, not Fury. Nothing.”
In terms of how Hearn felt about Shalom’s claims, he said, “There’s calling someone out, and there’s stone-cold lies.”
“Interesting tactic, but definitely not true.”
Joshua had previously been vocal about his interest in a fight with Fury, however, he was not clearly outlined a preferred alternative since the ‘Gypsy Kings’ retirement.
Hearn would go on to explain that Joshua has not been able to begin a training camp this year yet. However, Hearn would say “This week he [Joshua] is going back into camp.”
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Eddie Hearn will select opponent for Anthony Joshua after heavyweight clash
In terms of when fans can expect news regarding Joshua’s next opponent, Hearn is waiting to see the result of one heavyweight clash before making a decision.
Daniel Dubois will face Joseph Parker on February 22nd for the IBF World Heavyweight Championship, which is the fight Hearn will select the opponent after.
Hearn has been vocal about Joshua getting a rematch with Dubois after ‘AJ’ was defeated by ‘DDD’ in 2024. However, it is currently unclear as to whether or not Joshua will get an opportunity to compete for the IBF title.