Anthony Joshua Could Fight On A Eubank-Benn Card
Anthony Joshua could fight on a potential Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr. card.
That is according to Eddie Hearn. The Matchroom Boxing promoter is reportedly targeting a fight between Benn and Eubank Jr. in December despite the former having a legal case against him for two failed VADA tests.
As of now, Benn is facing an appeal from UKAD and the BBBofC after the National Anti-Doping Agency removed his suspension. This was on the basis on jurisdiction rather than showing there was no Clomiphene in his system.
Regardless of the uncertainty that is surrounding Benn, he did return to face Rodolfo Orozco and won via a unanimous decision. So, Hearn appears to be pressing ahead regardless. Joshua has indicated that he wanted to fight three times this year.
Joshua’s Next Fight
And having already faced Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius this year, the Brit has one more fight especially since a Deontay Wilder bout appears out of the question.
If Joshua did end up on the card, it would be a major reduction in his star power. And after having headlined for so long, seeing the former unified heavyweight champion not topping the bill would be a surprise.
“He [Joshua] could go in December, but that fight [Wilder] will happen in the first half of next year, maybe in the first quarter. It could go on December 23 as well. It’ll be someone in the top 15,” said Hearn about Joshua’s next opponent in December. “I haven’t been in negotiations with any fighters. I think ticking over is a bit harsh because they’re all dangerous fights,” Hearn
On reflection, having Joshua on the card may simply be used as a way to garner more interest in a Eubank-Benn fight. After all, the fight is only viable in the UK given their big fanbases here.
Joshua-Wilder
However, as Benn is not allowed to box as of this moment, Joshua’s slot on a UK card is not certain too. And until Benn fixes his case with the board, it is all speculation for now. But moving forward for Joshua, Hearn made it clear that Wilder was the target.
“I’ve been talking to [Wilder’s manager] Shelly Finkel, and we’ve made it crystal clear, as they have with us, that we want this fight. We’re talking about Wembley [Stadium], we’re talking about Vegas,” Hearn
Barrios’ Future
Meanwhile, Mario Barrios is targeting the biggest names out there following his win over Yordenis Ugas. Barrios beat Ugas via a unanimous decision to win the WBC interim welterweight belt, which put him as a mandatory for all of Terence Crawford’s belts.
That will aid his cause moving forward given that it is a no-lose situation. If Bud decides to stay at 147, then Barrios will have a shot at the title.
Meanwhile, if Crawford decides to move up from 147 and then vacates his belts, Barrios would then become a full champion. And after having been knocked out by Tank Davis, his move up to welterweight has been successful.
“I would welcome a fight with anybody. I want to fight the best. I’ve shown that I’m not afraid to take a fight with anybody. I feel like I’m reaching my prime. These next few years of my career are going to be important,” Barrios stated
