Anthony Joshua and Eddie Hearn Called Out for Backtracking Following “Disappointing” News

During a recent dialogue with IFL TV, Dan Rafael, a former ESPN journalist, divulged some startling remarks regarding Anthony Joshua and his promoter Eddie Hearn. Rafael conveyed his discontentment with the news about Joshua’s return to the boxing ring, stating that it could have happened earlier than the December schedule. Rafael also accused Hearn and Joshua of backtracking on their prior statements of keeping Joshua active in the ring.

Rafael’s comments have left many speculating on what’s actually happening behind the curtains. Is there more to Joshua’s tardiness than meets the eye? What are the implications of this for Joshua’s future in the sport?

Dan Rafael speaks out on Anthony Joshua’s delayed return and possible Saudi Arabia fight

In a recent interview with ESPN, boxing journalist Dan Rafael conveyed his dismay regarding Anthony Joshua’s choice to delay his forthcoming bout until December. Rafael said, “It’s kinda disappointing he would have to wait all the way to the end of the year, instead of coming back in July he’s now gonna wait till December. Could’ve came back maybe in like September, October, it seems like an unnecessarily long layoff for a guy that really unless I am not aware came out of the fight with no particular injuries or that type of thing.”

When the interviewer speculated that Joshua’s delay might be linked to a potential match in Saudi Arabia towards the end of the year, Rafael acknowledged that it was a plausible explanation. Nevertheless, he emphasized that even if Joshua were to have a match earlier in the year, Saudi Arabia could still be a viable option.

Rafael also addressed the issue of backtracking, saying that Joshua had initially expressed the desire to stay busy and fight in the summer. Rafael stated, “But the point was, his talking point, his view point was, ‘I need to stay busy’, Eddie Hearn’s saying was I need him to stay busy, I want him to stay busy. So if that’s everything that’s being said beforehand and you say yes I’m gonna come back in the summer and then two weeks after you fight, you say forget all that stuff I’m gonna wait till December.”

What’s next for Anthony Joshua?

To sum up, it seems that there might be some inconsistency in the plans for Anthony Joshua’s next match between him and Eddie Hearn. Initially, the intention was for Joshua to stay active by fighting during the summer. However, it now seems that he will not be back in the ring until December, which has caused some dismay among fans and experts alike.

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What is your take on Anthony Joshua’s extended lay off from boxing? Tell us in the comments below.

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