Eddie Hearn has spoken out about a potential clash between Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder, and believes anyone who thinks Joshua is an underdog against the American is “mad.”
Talks are reportedly under way for Joshua and Wilder to lock horns in December in Saudi Arabia, in what would be one of the biggest heavyweight fights in recent history.
In an interview with ESBR Boxing, Hearn issued a response to those who make Wilder a favourite in a potential dust up, including the likes of Roy Jones Jr.
“He’s boxed everybody that he’s been asked to box, and now it’s a fight to “avoid” against Deontay Wilder. If you think ‘AJ’ is an underdog in that fight, in my opinion you’re mad.”
“But Wilder’s very dangerous. ‘AJ’ will box his ears off, but if he gets caught – like anyone else in the division – he could get stopped. But if he hits Wilder on the chin, he’s knocking him clean out.”
“It’s just one of the greatest fights in boxing. Do you want to see the most exciting fights? Because they come with a bit of risk.”
“So let’s roll the dice and see ‘AJ’ put it on the line in a massive fight.”
Joshua returned from eight months out of the ring earlier this month against Jermaine Franklin, winning a wide unanimous decision on the three judges’ scorecards.
There had been plans for the former unified world champion to box again in July, potentially against old foe Dillian Whyte, however talk of a mega money showdown with Wilder towards the end of the years seems to have put this very much on the back burner.