Anthony Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has laid out clearly who the former champion must beat in order to get inducted into the boxing Hall of Fame.
In a recent backstage press session following the announcement of his second professional fight with Dillian Whyte, ‘AJ’ asked the assembled media what it takes to get into the exclusive club.
Hearn responded with three big names the former two-time heavyweight champion must defeat to earn his place.
If you beat Dillian [Whyte], [Deontay] Wilder and [Tyson] Fury, you’re in the Hall of Fame. No pressure.”
Joshua was then asked if he’d like to be considered the best of his era.
“I used to, that’s what hurt when I lost to [Oleksandr] Usyk. But it’s hard to get that respect as a British fighter. If I was American it would be different. Tyson Fury went 12 with Otto Wallin and they say he was brilliant, he got 12 good rounds under his belt. Anthony Joshua goes 12 with Jermaine Franklin and they say he’s washed up. I’m like how?!”
Following what some saw as a laboured points victory over Jermaine Franklin back in April, Joshua will be looking to make a statement in his rematch with Whyte at the O2 on August 12.
It will be his second fight under new coach Derrick James and fans are hoping for a return to the explosive punching that defined the first part of his career as he battles his way back into title contention.
If ‘AJ’ comes through unscathed against ‘The Body Snatcher’ he’s set to take on American heavy hitter, Deontay Wilder, this December in Saudi Arabia.