Hearn Backs Joshua’s Star Power – ‘He’s The Biggest Name’
Eddie Hearn has said Anthony Joshua is still a big enough star to fight anyone.
His comments were made just as speculation increases over a potential Jake Paul fight. The Problem Child recently called out Joshua, who reportedly phoned Jake about a fight. Paul is looking for a big fight after talks over a Canelo Alvarez fight broke down, while AJ is searching for his next opponent after the Daniel Dubois bout. The latter knocked out Joshua in the fifth round in his last fight, as AJ missed out on the IBF Belt, which would have made him a three-time world champion. Hearn recently confirmed that Joshua is injured, with the expectation that he will be back in the summer.
This naturally raises questions about Joshua’s future. A world title shot is unlikely as Dubois is pushing for an undisputed fight with Oleksandr Usyk. Joseph Parker is also the WBO Interim Heavyweight Champion, putting him in a position to face Usyk. That leaves Joshua with limited options. A Deontay Wilder fight is no longer as big as what it could have been.
The Bronze Bomber was knocked out by Zhilei Zhang, which was his second consecutive loss after the Parker bout. Joshua could pursue other fights against Agit Kabayel or even Zhang. Those two fighters have been linked with Joshua previously, but it is a risky fight for AJ, which is why a Paul bout may be appealing. Jake called out Joshua for a fight, which would likely drop on Netflix.
Joshua Vs. Paul
“(My manager) is talking about all these potential fights, and I’m like, yes, no, and the only no is (David Benavidez). I will not fight this fucking guy, he’s a fucking monster. I’m just gonna fucking die, bro. I know my boundaries. “I want to fight Anthony Joshua, because I know that I will fucking beat Anthony Joshua’s ass. He doesn’t have a chin and he has no skill and he’s stiff. And I love you, Anthony, we’re friends, all this shit, but I want to fight you. I will beat Canelo, I will beat a lot of fucking people, I will not beat David Benavidez. I would get torn up, bro. This guy is different. He’s different,” Paul said
That fight would earn him a mega payday against a less risky opponent. Hearn made it clear Joshua could make fights against anyone.
“The way that the world works is if you’re the biggest name in the heavyweight division actively, which Anthony Joshua is right now, the biggest commercial draw now that Tyson Fury is retired. He can fight whoever he wants at any time. Jake Paul isn’t credible to fight Canelo Alvarez, but they signed the contract. AJ is a two-time heavyweight champion and he’s the biggest name in the division still. So, he can fight whoever he wants just like that, but I don’t think he will fight for the world heavyweight championship next. I’m not going to say too much right now, but get ready,” Hearn said
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