Hearn believes Joshua’s commercial appeal will put him at the front of the title picture after scheduled fights with Kristian Prenga and Tyson Fury
Eddie Hearn believes Anthony Joshua will not have to chase another heavyweight title shot. Speaking after Oleksandr Usyk vacated three world titles, Hearn said Joshua’s commercial appeal will allow him to choose which champion to pursue after fights with Kristian Prenga and Tyson Fury
Joshua is set to face Kristian Prenga on July 25 in Jeddah before an expected showdown with Tyson Fury later this year. If he comes through both contests, Hearn sees no shortage of championship opportunities.
Asked about Joshua’s route back to the top of the heavyweight division, Hearn said the former two-time champion remains boxing’s biggest attraction.
“Go fight Tyson Fury and then fight for the world heavyweight championship. It looks like there could be four new champions. So AJ can walk into any fight he wants at any time. He’s the biggest fight in the division,” said Hearn to Secondsout. “Guys will think they can beat him. So it’s not going to be difficult to get a shot. But right now we’re fighting Prenga and then fighting Tyson Fury.”
Rather than focusing on rankings or mandatory positions, Hearn pointed to Joshua’s drawing power. While most contenders have to earn title shots through eliminators or mandatory status, Joshua’s name alone is expected to make him an attractive opponent for any heavyweight champion looking to land the biggest payday available.
The reshaped heavyweight landscape only strengthens that position. Agit Kabayel has been elevated to WBC champion following Usyk’s decision to vacate, Daniel Dubois remains the WBO titleholder ahead of his planned defense against Fabio Wardley, and the vacant WBA and IBF belts are expected to produce two more champions in the coming months.
Any of those titleholders would likely welcome the chance to defend against Joshua, whose global profile remains unmatched among active heavyweights despite his recent setbacks.
Hearn also acknowledged that if Joshua decides to chase revenge, a rematch with Dubois would probably appeal to him, even though other championship routes could prove less demanding.
“There will be easier chances maybe to win a world title, but that’s my job, and ultimately he’s the boss, and he’s going to do what he wants to do,” said Hearn about AJ.
