Anthony Joshua looked backed to his best against Otto Wallin, and now his promoter is mapping out what’s to come.
Speaking to IFL TV, Eddie Hearn revealed that he was currently in discussions with three potential opponents for his man in March following the impressive Wallin stoppage. He then laid out the criteria.
“The things that AJ wants to do is be in massive fights, win the world heavyweight title, and fight Tyson Fury, or get another crack at Usyk. That’s what Ben [Davison] wants – another crack at Usyk. For me, obviously I’d love the Fury fight.”
With the Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk undisputed fight set for February 17, the winner is expected to be quickly stripped of the IBF belt because a rematch clause prevents a mandatory defence against number one challenger, Filip Hrgovic.
Hearn sees that as a good route for Joshua to fight for a vacant title, but admitted it may not all happen in time for Joshua’s next fight.
“A lot has to happen by March to make that possible with Hrgovic. Obviously Fury and Usyk fight in the middle of February. Are they gonna be able to keep the belt? Do they have to let it go? Is Joshua just gonna replace Wallin in the rankings? There’s a lot of discussions.
If that’s in play for March, that’s definitely a possibility. Maybe that’s a fight that, when everything plays out, could be one for the summer. As I said, our conversations right now are about mapping out AJ’s next four or five fights … his 2024 and potentially the rest of his career.”
Finally, the promoter said his charge was planning on keeping up the high level of activity he set in 2023.
“I think he’s gonna fight in March, then I guess he fights in August, September, so whether it’s three times in the calendar year or three times from March to March, something like that.”
Joshua’s March bout is slated for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia once more.