Eddie Hearn reveals Anthony Joshua could take on Dillian Whyte in a rematch in AUGUST… and claims AJ would ‘get up’ for a fight against his British rival before taking on Deontay Wilder in Saudi Arabia in December
- Eddie Hearn says Joshua could face Dillian Whyte in an August rematch
- Hearn has also confirmed talks are underway for a fight with Wilder in December
- The Matchroom promoter says AJ would benefit from another fight under James
Eddie Hearn says Anthony could face Joshua Dillian Whyte in a rematch in August before taking on Deontay Wilder in Saudi Arabia in December.
Joshua defeated Jermaine Franklin in April 2023 at the O2 Arena via unanimous decision, his first in-ring victory since December 2020.
Speculation has followed Joshua and his team ever since they talked about his next opponent, with the heavyweight himself saying he wanted a fight with Wilder.
However, Hearn has said that Joshua would benefit from one more fight under his trainer Derrick James before taking on The Bronze Bomber.
The Matchroom promoter believes there is appetite for a rematch with Whyte and insists AJ ‘stand up’ for a fight against his British rival.
Eddie Hearn says Anthony Joshua could face Dillian Whyte in a rematch in August
Joshua defeated Jermaine Franklin in April 2023 at the O2 Arena via unanimous decision
AJ wants to get back in the ring but Hearn thinks he needs one more fight under trainer Derrick James (left) before facing Deontay Wilder in December
Hearn has said negotiations are underway for a Saudi Arabian fight with Wilder (right)
Hearn has also confirmed negotiations are underway for a December fight in Saudi Arabia – claiming that ‘they know the numbers we want’ for a heavyweight fight between AJ and Wilder.
Speak against Samina for sale on a deal with the Saudis on a fight with Wilder, Hearn said, “They know what kind of numbers we want based on the Ruiz and Usyk fight in Saudi Arabia.
‘If she [the Saudis] can’t get Fury-Usyk over the line, they’ll still have AJ vs. do wilder. You hit the numbers we want, and then we work backwards on that for the August fight he [Joshua] will have.
“We all believe he needs that fight in August and more time [trainer] Derrick James, more prep for Deontay Wilder, and that’s it. Who we pick depends on whether we get that Wilder deal done.
“Love the Dillian Whyte fight [for Joshua]. Whether he pulls off the Wilder fight or not, I love that fight. I think it’s a fight that AJ will stand up for. I think it’s a fight that he can hold some grudges for, and it’s a fight that’s dangerous.
“There’s a lot at stake because when you sign a big deal to fight Deontay Wilder in December and you fight Dillian Whyte in August, it’s a risky business.
“I don’t feel like fighting someone he is [Joshua] not excited or not motivated for or someone who is going to roll over is going to prepare him for that Wilder fight. That’s where we are, but we’re trying to work backwards after getting the Wilder across the line first.”
Joshua could take on Whyte – would recently beat Jermaine Franklin – in the interim, but fans have questioned the logic behind the decision
Nevertheless, Hearn believes there is an appetite for a rematch with Whyte and insists AJ ‘stand up’ for a fight against his British rival.
Joshua and Whyte last fought in December 2015, with AJ coming out victorious via technical knockout in the seventh round (above)
Joshua and Whyte last fought in December 2015, with AJ coming out victorious via technical knockout in the seventh round.
Many boxing fans believe Whyte is on the decline, having been knocked out by Alexander Povetkin and Tyson Fury in two of his last four fights.
What’s more, some believe Whyte actually lost his fight to Franklin – with the American claiming he was ‘robbed’ by the British judges.
Therefore, it may be more beneficial for Joshua to face Otto Wallin, Filip Hrgovic, Andy Ruiz Jr, Zhilei Zhang or Luis Ortiz before facing Wilder in December.