Anthony Joshua‘s promoter, Eddie Hearn believes Joshua should be patient following his recent defeat to Daniel Dubois. Hearn suggested Joshua wait for the outcome of Tyson Fury’s fight against Oleksandr Usyk, as this could open the door for a significant showdown with Fury in 2025. Here is what happened:
Eddie Hearn recently did an interview with Sky Sports. Fresh off a loss, Hearn highlighted what Anthony Joshua‘s next step should be. The former champion’s stock has fallen after being brutally knocked out by Daniel Dubois. Yet he still remains one of the biggest stars in the heavyweight division, alongside Tyson Fury. Even if Fury loses to Usyk, a potential clash with Fury would still be a massive event.
My advice is don’t do anything until Dec 21st – the Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury rematch.
Eddie Hearn on Sky Sports
Joshua himself may be eager for a rematch with Dubois. However, Hearn’s perspective is more long-term. Hearn is focused on bigger opportunities, especially considering the Fury fight would be a major payday and a potential career-defining moment for Joshua.
Eddie Hearn on what he’s told Anthony Joshua to do next following the Daniel Dubois KO: “My advice is don’t do anything until Dec 21st – the Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury rematch. If Fury loses it could set up a big fight vs Joshua, if Fury wins he could take a voluntary defence…
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) September 23, 2024
Hearn also pointed out that Joshua has no immediate pressure to rush into a fight. Joshua is under contract for one more fight during Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Season. This could involve several opponents, not necessarily Dubois.
Lennox Lewis reacts to Anthony Joshua’s loss to Daniel Dubois
Boxing icon Lennox Lewis‘ reaction to Anthony Joshua’s upset loss highlights deep concerns about Joshua’s mental preparedness. In a shocking fight at Wembley, Dubois, a clear underdog, knocked down Joshua four times before ending the bout with a fifth-round knockout. Lewis, who has been a critic of Joshua in the past, voiced his thoughts bluntly.
Lewis is a former undisputed heavyweight champion. He observed that Joshua did not seem mentally sharp from the onset. Taking to X, Lewis pointed out that something seemed off with Joshua’s approach and confidence during the fight.
Anthony Joshua still needs to wake up. He’s not woken up yet… It looks like he’s not mentally in there.
Lennox Lewis on X
This criticism is not new. Lewis has raised similar concerns following Joshua’s previous losses, including his defeat to Andy Ruiz in 2019. His reaction reflects a broader concern in the boxing community: whether Joshua’s time at the top is nearing an end. Anthony Joshua has made it clear that retirement is not on his mind.
