Eddie Hearn Makes Peace With Anthony Joshua’s Sudden Retirement Update

Anthony Joshua has shocked the fans with a disheartening update. While on a recent talk show appearance, Joshua, currently at the top of his game with a four-win streak, disclosed his future plans and lifted the veil on how long he plans to stick around. The announcement is something that Eddie Hearn may not be too keen about, but he is ready to come to terms with his star’s decision. How does he feel about losing his crown jewel? The British promoter explains.

‘AJ,’ who is turning 35 in October, is only giving himself two years max, and that too as long as his body holds out. So, he expects to hang up his gloves by 37. The British boxer has done it all, from being an Olympic gold medalist to a two-time unified world champion since turning pro. However, Hearn wants Joshua, at 28-3, to push for more years. But he would be content if Joshua left the sport with one more accomplishment. What is it?

Eddie Hearn’s wish for Anthony Joshua before he bows out

Hearn, in a conversation with Charlie Parsons, shared what he had to say about Joshua’s plans to retire at 37. Matchroom Boxing’s lynchpin expressed that Joshua was in the form of his life. Therefore, he wanted the Watford native to stay around for long. But he also admitted Joshua would have no reason to do so if he faced the winner of Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk.

Hearn, 44, said, “I think he’s in the form of his life and enjoying his boxing more than ever. While you’re doing that, why not stay as long as you can? I think two years is about right. Hopefully, he gets the winner of Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk…. Then what else is there to do?”

While Joshua is supposed to face the winner of Fury vs. Usyk, a rematch clause between them puts the potential fight for all the marbles somewhere around next year. Frank Warren also believes Joshua might not fight the winner this year. Will Joshua wait till then? Will he fight someone else to stay active? He has already confirmed the date of his next fight.

‘AJ’ reveals the timeline of his return

When quizzed about when he would fight next, as he fought three times last year, Joshua said that he would fight around September. He said on The Jonathan Ross Show, “Around September is when I’ve been told. I was hoping June. I’ve got some time to go on dates now and mingle a little bit. I’m training at the minute. I’ve got two months before I get into training camp.”

Joshua might headline a card at Wembley later this year, as suggested by Derek Chisora, and might take on the winner of Daniel Dubois and Filip Hrgovic for the then-vacant IBF strap. However, an official confirmation on this is yet to be made.

What do you make of this development concerning Anthony Joshua? Do you believe he should retire at 37 or keep on going? Let us know in the comments below.

Read More: Boxing Updates: Anthony Joshua Snubbed Out of IBF Title Rat Race as Filip Hrgovic in Talks to Face Daniel Dubois