Eddie Hearn Maps Out Heavyweight Division’s Future, Eyes Anthony Joshua’s Return
The heavyweight boxing landscape has taken shape post-May 18’s ‘Ring of Fire’. At the top, Oleksandr Usyk reigns as the new undisputed champion. Following closely is Daniel Dubois, now the interim IBF champion. With the titles aligned, fans anticipate significant matchups in the near future. Eddie Hearn, the Matchroom Boxing head, has outlined an ambitious plan to keep the excitement alive.
Despite a recent setback in Riyadh during the Queensberry and Matchroom Boxing’s 5 vs. 5 event, Hearn remains undeterred. Speaking on talkSPORT’s ‘Drive’ with Andy Goldstein, MBE, he laid out his vision for the heavyweight division over the coming months and potentially into 2025.
Anthony Joshua’s Potential Return
Anthony Joshua is poised to make a comeback, potentially headlining an event at Wembley Stadium on September 21. According to Hearn, a press conference is scheduled for June 26 to confirm the details. Among the contenders to face Joshua, Daniel Dubois stands out. If Dubois secures the full IBF heavyweight title and then faces Joshua, ‘AJ’ could be on track to become a world champion for the third time.
Other possible opponents for Joshua include Zhilei Zhang and Joseph Parker. However, Hearn emphasized that Dubois is a strong contender, stating, “If the belts are lying and everything makes sense, Dubois could be the runner.”
“if the belts are lying and everything makes sense, Dubois could be the runner,” he said. However, Andy Goldstein had his doubts. “What needs to happen for that belt to be given up?” he asked.
The Road to Unification
Hearn discussed the logistics of the titles and the potential bouts that could shape the division. Oleksandr Usyk, the current IBF title holder, must contend with Dubois, the interim champion and mandatory challenger. However, Usyk has a rematch scheduled with Tyson Fury on December 21.
Hearn elaborated on the potential sequence of events, suggesting, “AJ and Dubois could fight for the IBF title, Fury and Usyk fight for everything else, and then next spring, sort of April or May, the winners could fight each other for the undisputed title.”
Hearn’s Vision for AJ’s Path to Undisputed
Goldstein raised concerns about the possibility of a trilogy between Fury and Usyk. Hearn remained skeptical, expressing confidence in an AJ vs. Fury bout if Fury wins the rematch. “If Fury wins and becomes undisputed or unified again, we have to make the AJ fight,” Hearn asserted.
Should Usyk emerge victorious in his rematch against Fury and Joshua defeats Dubois, a trilogy fight with Usyk would not only offer Joshua a chance to avenge his two losses but also to reclaim the crown. Meanwhile, Deontay Wilder and Filip Hrgovic are currently out of the immediate title picture, and Andy Ruiz Jr. is set to return from a long break in August.
Eddie Hearn explained, “I think the way that it will line up is potentially is AJ and Dubois fight for the I.B.F. title Fury and Usyk fight for everything else, and then next spring spring sort of April, May time perhaps the winners could fight the winners again for undisputed.”
Editor’s Perspective
Eddie Hearn’s roadmap for the heavyweight division is ambitious yet promising. His strategic planning highlights the dynamic nature of boxing, where one victory can dramatically shift the landscape. The prospect of Anthony Joshua returning to the ring adds a layer of excitement, especially with the potential matchups against top contenders like Dubois, Zhang, or Parker. Hearn’s focus on creating a path to undisputed status underscores his commitment to the sport and its fans.
The possibility of Joshua facing the winner of Fury vs. Usyk is particularly tantalizing. Such a bout would not only be a marquee event but also a defining moment in Joshua’s career. Hearn’s vision brings clarity and anticipation to a division that thrives on uncertainty and high stakes.
As the heavyweight division gears up for these potential matchups, fans and fighters alike can look forward to an electrifying series of bouts. The next year promises to be pivotal for the heavyweight title, with every fight carrying the weight of history.
He said, “I think that you know everything that we’re hearing from His Excellency (HE Turki Alalshikh) about the potential of AJ fighting the winner of Fury-Usyk if he wins it September, and let’s be honest, if Fury wins, you know becomes undisputed or unified again, we have to make the AJ fight.”
