Eddie Hearn flies to Saudi Arabia ‘for superfight talks in the country’ for Anthony Joshua as hopes of a ‘heavyweight’ tournament ‘resurface
- Matchroom promoter shared an image on social media showing he was there
- There has been speculation about tournament-like events for several weeks now
- The hope is that heavyweights will descend on the Middle East for December confrontations
Eddie Hearn shared a photo on Thursday showing he is in Saudi Arabia – with reports suggesting he is in advanced talks for a December fight in the country for Anthony Joshua.
Joshua, who made his long-awaited return to the ring after back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk in September 2021 and last August, beat Jermaine Franklin via points decision earlier this month and is currently plotting his next move amid allegations of an inconclusive showing in the O2 Arena in London.
There has been much speculation about the former two-time world heavyweight champion about his next opponent, not least the suggestion that Joshua could be part of a tournament-style event in the Middle East this winter, alongside Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder and Usyk.
It would see Fury meet Uysk, after talks broke down between the two sides for their scheduled April fight, and Joshua clash with Wilder after a possible summer fight with Dillian Whyte.
Various reports claim Hearn is currently in Saudi Arabia for advanced talks about the “superfight” between Joshua and Wilder.
Eddie Hearn has flown to the Middle East to hold talks about a December fight for Anthony Joshua
The promoter posted this photo on social media showing that he was in Saudi Arabia
Joshua is currently charting his path after successfully returning to the ring this month
The hugely lucrative fight is said to have moved one step closer with Hearn’s arrival in Riyadh.
Wilder himself has given the go-ahead for the fight, with the ‘Bronze Bomber’ looking to regain some notoriety after two damaging defeats to Fury in February 2020 and October 2021.
Hearn himself has been open about the prospects surrounding the heavyweight tournament, admitting several things need to fall into place for it to happen – including, crucially, all fighters agreeing.
“It’s realistic because Saudi Arabia means business and we’ve done deals easily and often there before,” he told the Lightweight Boxing Show.
“There are no negotiations [already] but I’m flying there next week to start those negotiations. Subject to the deal, which has never been a problem with them [Saudi Arabia]will AJ fight Deontay Wilder or Tyson Fury – no problem at all.
“They need all four fighters on board to pull it off. I’m sure Usyk will do it, I know Deontay Wilder will do it.
Tyson Fury will think he has the key. He’s going to fight Andy Ruiz Jr I believe in July, quite a warm up fight for him.”
Meanwhile, Joshua himself recently admitted that he had “respect” for Wilder, insisting he felt the fight was “95 percent” over the road.
“He’s good, I respect him, I don’t undermine him. That will make me raise my game,” he said Subway.
The hope is that Tyson Fury (L) takes on Oleksandr Usyk (R) while Joshua takes on Deontay Wilder
Wilder would fight Joshua – both heavyweights have a lot to prove in their attempts to return to the top
“I respect what he has done and what he has done in this division. It’s hard to become a champion and he did it, so I have to respect that.
“It’s going to be a tough fight, but I’m confident in myself. I am a better, more well-rounded athlete, a better, more well-rounded fighter.
“As for being delivered [from my side]I really believe it’s 95 percent there.’
Joshua has a mixed record in Saudi Arabia, becoming world champion for the second time against Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019, but lost to Usyk in 2022.