“It’s Not Gonna Be a Mega Fight”: Following Deontay Wilder Fight Delay, Eddie Hearn Names Potential Opponents for Anthony Joshua

Anthony Joshua was supposed to face the hard-hitting Deontay Wilder in either December or January in Saudi Arabia. Unfortunately, the fight got pushed to April or March, as informed by Eddie Hearn. What’s more, the clash between these two heavyweights has generated immense excitement among fans everywhere. However, as time passed, the chances of the matchup actually coming to fruition seemed bleaker and bleaker. 

In a prior interview, Eddie Hearn alluded to the possibility of Joshua taking on a different opponent in the meantime. Ever since then, everyone has been wondering who that opponent could be. It’s worth mentioning that Anthony Joshua is also being considered for the IBF world title fight in case it becomes vacant after Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk. Recently, Eddie Hearn appeared in an interview with Boxing News to shed some light on the matter and discuss a few names who could potentially face Joshua next. 

Eddie Hearn claims Anthony Joshua knows it’s not going to be a mega-fight

During the interview, the reporter enquired if Anthony Joshua would face Mahmoud Charr. Hearn immediately clarified that it was not the case, despite having been approached for the fight. He even claimed Charr would love to fight AJ, but it’s not the only option for Joshua going forward. “No, that’s not the front runner. But we have been contacted about that fight. I am sure Charr would like to fight AJ,” Hearn told Boxing News.

When probed further about Joshua’s next opponent, Eddie Hearn came up with some names. He began by highlighting the Otto Wallin vs. Filip Hrgovic fight and hinted at the possibility of Joshua facing the winner. “We have to look at Heargavich and Wallin’s situation and whether we can find our way in there,” said Hearn.

He even spoke about Agit Kabayel, claiming he pursued a fight against Kabayel earlier. Hearn claimed a fight with Zhilei Zhang won’t be possible because he is not available in December. Hearn confessed that Joshua just wants to fight and is aware of the fact that, “It’s Not Gonna Be a Mega Fight.”

Andy Ruiz on Trilogy with Anthony Joshua

Andy Ruiz Jr. went toe to toe with Joshua twice in the past, winning the first and losing the second. However, after his hiatus from boxing, Ruiz has pushed for a trilogy fight with Anthony Joshua. Ruiz aims to redeem his previous loss and solidify his status in the heavyweight division. However, according to Ruiz, Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, would not let that happen.

Also Read: “It’s Like Going To War”: After Admitting To Enjoying Tyson Fury’s Netflix Show, Anthony Joshua Reveals WBC Champion’s Weakness He Would “Exploit” If They Ever Fought

During a recent interview with ES News, Ruiz claimed Joshua’s team doesn’t want to fight him anymore because Eddie is traumatized after Joshua’s loss to him. “I don’t think they want to fight. I think Eddie Hearn is already traumatized,” Ruiz told ES News. He went as far as to suggest that Hearn would not match Joshua with a good fighter unless it meant a substantial payday for him before exiting the scene. 

Despite the boxing world’s desire for a clash between Joshua and Wilder, it doesn’t seem to be on the horizon. However, a potential Anthony Joshua fight seems imminent in December or January. Who do you think it will be with? Are you excited to see Joshua in the ring again? Or will you wait until the big fight with Wilder? 

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