Eddie Hearn may have just mapped out the next few years of Anthony Joshua’s career.
Joshua’s next bout is due to be a rematch with Vladimir Klitschko in Las Vegas on November 11, and victory would cement his status as the best and most exciting heavyweight boxer around.
The 27-year-old already had the pick of his opponents following the stunning 11th round stoppage against Klitschko in April, and his options will only strengthen further with another win over the Ukrainian.
It sounds as though Joshua is already planning beyond the Vegas fight.
Prepare for a late one on November 11 https://t.co/LIUlm3TMQJ
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) July 26, 2017
According to Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, the heavyweight is particularly keen on a rematch with Dillian Whyte.
“For some reason, AJ enjoyed his first fight with Whyte so much he wants to do it again,” Hearn told GQ magazine, (via Sky Sports).
“No one really wants to fight Dillian Whyte because he is a right handful, he has got a great chin, he’s got a great work-rate, he’s strong and he can punch.”
Joshua defeated Whyte in December 2015, scoring a seventh round knockout over his fellow British boxer. Whyte’s last bout was an epic split decision victory over Dereck Chisora late last year.
Seems like Joshua hit a nerve https://t.co/MLYxXzplsf
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) June 21, 2017
Hearn said that Joshua is also keen on a fight with Tyson Fury, who last month appeared to announce his retirement from boxing. The 2012 Olympic gold medallist has also set his sights on American Deontay Wilder.
“The funny thing is that Anthony Joshua has four opponents he really wants to fight: the rematch with Wladimir Klitschko, Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder and Dillian Whyte. So if Whyte can win a heavyweight title, that fight would be massive in this country.”
Not even a hint of fence-sitting https://t.co/sx9TfX9bkA
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) July 21, 2017
However, Hearn said there are some issues to overcome before a bout with Wilder can take place.
“Wilder’s team have got some issues they need to solve with their mandatory challenger. But we’ve offered them a big, big deal and I think they are interested. It should be a great fight. But if Wilder wants to build his name in the UK ahead of a potential unification fight with Joshua, this fight would be perfect. Of course, if Wilder loses, that’s the big fight with Joshua out the window, so it is risky for both of them.”
