In a recent development, Eddie Hearn, renowned promoter for British boxer Anthony Joshua, has confirmed the possibility of a rematch between Joshua and Dillian Whyte. Negotiations are underway for this highly anticipated bout, stirring excitement among fans and the boxing community. Additionally, talks are also progressing to arrange a showdown between Joshua and Deontay Wilder in Saudi Arabia, scheduled for December.
Joshua’s victorious return to the ring in April, where he secured a unanimous decision win against Jermaine Franklin at the iconic O2 Arena, has fueled intense speculation about his next opponent. While Joshua had expressed a desire to face off against Wilder, Hearn believes an additional fight under the guidance of trainer Derrick James would benefit the heavyweight champion.
Hearn, known for his insightful analysis and astute promotional skills, has underscored the fervor surrounding a potential rematch with Whyte. He firmly believes that Joshua would be highly motivated to square off against his rival, highlighting the anticipated intensity of their clash. Negotiations for a December bout between Joshua and Wilder in Saudi Arabia are already in progress, and Hearn confidently asserts that the financial terms sought by both parties will be met, stating, “They know the numbers we want.”
In an interview with Samina For Sale, Hearn delved further into the potential deal with Saudi Arabia, drawing upon the success of previous fights held in the country, such as the bouts involving Ruiz and Usyk. He expressed unwavering confidence that if a matchup between Fury and Usyk failed to materialize, the Saudis would step in to deliver the highly anticipated Joshua-Wilder showdown, considering the lucrative financial terms involved.
Hearn emphasized the importance of finalizing the Wilder fight first before determining the opponent for Joshua’s August battle. While Hearn finds the prospect of a rematch with Whyte intriguing, he acknowledges the risks associated with facing such a formidable opponent before a potentially career-defining match with Wilder.
Some concerns have been raised about Whyte’s recent performances, particularly his knockout losses to Alexander Povetkin and Tyson Fury. Additionally, there are those who dispute Joshua’s victory over Franklin, with the American boxer claiming he was “robbed” by the British judges. As a result, some boxing enthusiasts argue that Joshua should consider facing opponents like Otto Wallin, Filip Hrgovic, Andy Ruiz Jr, Zhilei Zhang, or Luis Ortiz before stepping into the ring against Wilder in December. The aim would be to ensure that Joshua is adequately prepared and motivated for the challenges that lie ahead, as a lukewarm or one-sided encounter would not effectively ready him for the intense showdown with the dangerous Wilder.
Key Highlights:
- Anthony Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, confirms negotiations for a potential rematch with Dillian Whyte.
- Talks are underway to schedule a bout between Joshua and Deontay Wilder in Saudi Arabia in December.
- Hearn stresses the importance of securing the Wilder fight first, while some boxing enthusiasts suggest Joshua consider facing other opponents before the high-stakes clash.
