"The World Needs This": Hearn on Joshua's Next Opponent

Yesterday, former world heavyweight (over 90,7 kg) champion Anthony Joshua (28-3, 25 KOs) announced his next fight would take place on September 20-21 at Wembley Stadium in London, UK.

The opponent will be the winner of the upcoming bout between Deontay Wilder (43-3-1, 42 KOs) against Zhang Zhilei (26-2-1, 21 KOs) or Filip Hrgovic (17-0, 14 KOs) against Daniel Dubois (20-2, 19 KOs), which will take place on June 1st in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Eddie Hearn, promoter and head of Matchroom Boxing, commented on Anthony's statement and discussed who among the listed boxers is the most desirable opponent.

– Anything is possible. I hope one of them will be in London in September, and AJ will meet him.

– When asked which of the four potential opponents is most desirable?

– The one who carries the belt. I would like Joshua to become world champion again. But I would also like to organize a fight with Wilder. So, if he defeats Zhilei, the world will demand it. If Fury beats Usyk, the world will also want that. Anthony is in a great position right now. We are confident he can beat any of them.

Anthony Joshua last fought on March 8th, knocking out Francis Ngannou (0-2) in the second round.

The fight for the absolute heavyweight world title between WBA, WBO, IBF, and IBO titleholder Oleksandr Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs) and WBC champion Tyson Fury (34-0-1, 24 KOs) will take place on May 18th in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.