Eddie Hearn reveals fresh hope for Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury to FINALLY fight – as promoter talks plans for ‘the closing chapter’ of AJ’s career

Eddie Hearn has spoken candidly about Anthony Joshua’s future plans following his devastating defeat to Daniel Dubois, raising new hopes for a successful clash with Tyson Fury.

Joshua took on Dubois in a fight for the IBF heavyweight world title at Wembley on Saturday and struggled from the start until the 34-year-old was knocked out in the fifth round.

This has led to uncertainty over Joshua’s future career after he missed out on the chance to become a three-time heavyweight world champion.

Much has been asked of a confrontation with Tyson Fury throughout the Briton’s career. Both heavyweights have challenged each other at various times, but ultimately they have failed to agree on terms for a fight.

However, Joshua’s promoter Hearn, speaking after his clash with Dubois, claimed that fans could finally get to see the long-awaited bout, although he insisted that there are still many more potential options on the table.

Joshua is currently recovering from his knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois at Wembley on Saturday

There has been a lot of speculation in recent years about a fight between Joshua and Fury

“(In an ideal world) we feel we should beat Daniel Dubois and we can beat Daniel Dubois,” Hearn said TNT Sport.

‘But are you prepared to go back straight away (like with Andy Ruiz and Oleksandr Usyk)? We have that option under that contract and I know his excellency wants that, probably in February, but is that too early?

‘Are we waiting for Tyson Fury (against Oleksandr Usyk)? I think if Tyson Fury loses, they (Joshua and Fury) should have two fights and sail off into the sunset.

‘If Tyson Fury wins, he will defend against AJ for the joint world championship.’

Hearn was also generous when discussing Joshua’s defeat, stressing that while the 34-year-old was far from his best, Dubois deserved praise for his performance.

“I keep telling people that Dubois was disrespected as a champion. AJ allowed that to happen, Dubois was great and we keep talking about how bad AJ was.

“Let’s just take a moment to say how good Daniel Dubois was. He did everything they set out to do and AJ did nothing they set out to do.”

Meanwhile, Hearn admitted that despite the hints of a showdown with Fury, there are still plenty of obstacles to overcome before that happens.

Hearn also praised Dubois’ performance against Joshua on Saturday night

He has insisted that he will not make any hasty decisions about what Joshua’s next assignment will be.

Hearn continued: ‘AJ thinks he wants to go straight back with Dubois, but this is a very important decision and the fight has been going on for three days.

“So I say to everybody, let’s give ourselves a little bit of time. And then make a decision about what the final chapter of your (AJ’s) career is going to be.

‘Hopefully the last chapter is the best one yet.’