Eddie Hearn has revealed what his plans for Anthony Joshua include ahead of Daniel Dubois vs Joseph Parker this weekend.
Joshua has been out of action since his knockout loss to Dubois in September of 2024. Although a heavyweight showdown with Tyson Fury seemed likely, a surprise retirement from the ‘Gypsy King’ would disrupt the plans.
It is now unclear as to who Joshua may fight in his 2025 return. Although Martin Bakole has claimed he is fighting Joshua in Africa, the fight has not been officially signed.
Matchroom Boxing promoter Hearn has however revealed his plans for ‘AJ’.
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Tyson Fury still included in plans for Anthony Joshua says Eddie Hearn
Although Hearn stated he booked a stadium for Fury vs Joshua this summer, the promoter will have to look at another opponent for ‘AJ’ should the ‘Gypsy King’ stay retired.
However, Hearn is set to make sure that Fury has no desire whatsoever to face Joshua this year.
In an interview with IFL TV, Hearn was asked about Fury as a potential opponent for Joshua and what his plans were in relation to speaking to the now retired fighter.
“It’s very likely that before we make a decision on who Anthony is going to fight next, we will reach out to them [Fury] and say… ‘Just to let you know, we’re planning our fight for the summer. Is Tyson 100% not available for that fight?'”
Frank Warren, who was alongside Hearn, was then asked what his answer would be to the question. Warren responded by saying, “At the moment, he’s retired.”
“He knows that fight [Fury vs Joshua] could be made if he wants to make the fight. If he wants to come out of retirement, it’s there for him. But, I’m not going to ask him.”
Eddie Hearn says Anthony Joshua should not have fought one heavyweight
In the same interview with IFL TV, Hearn stated that he believes Joshua should not have fought Oleksandr Usyk.
“Anthony Joshua probably shouldn’t have fought Oleksandr Usyk. He wanted to because he wanted to unify [the division], become undisputed, each to their own.”
Joshua would lose to Usyk for the first time in September of 2021, with the Ukrainian besting the British fighter on the judges’ scorecards.
Although the two would rematch the following year, Usyk would once again be victorious. Winning via split-decision in their sequel, Usyk was able to defend his IBF, IBO, WBA, and WBO titles.