Anthony Joshua Ready to Face Any Challenger, Says Eddie Hearn
Anthony Joshua’s position at ringside on Saturday night offered more than just a spectator’s view. The two-time unified heavyweight champion watched closely as Oleksandr Usyk battled Tyson Fury to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 25 years. Joshua, having shared the ring for 24 rounds with Usyk, undoubtedly appreciated the Ukrainian’s remarkable late effort to secure victory.
Ringside Insights
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, revealed Joshua’s thoughts on the match. “He had Usyk winning quite convincingly,” Hearn told Matchroom Boxing. “I went over after and said, ‘What do you think?’ He said, ‘Usyk’s won. Great fight but Usyk’s a comfortable winner.’ I think most people felt Usyk won, it’s just how wide they saw the cards.”
Future Title Implications
The aftermath of the fight has significant implications for the heavyweight division. The IBF is expected to demand that Usyk either defends his title against mandatory challenger Filip Hrgovic or vacates the belt. Given the contractual and financial stakes, it is likely that Usyk will vacate the title to pursue a lucrative rematch with Fury. This scenario would open the door for Hrgovic and Daniel Dubois to compete for the vacant IBF title on June 1st.
Joshua’s Path Forward
Rumours suggest that Joshua may be poised to challenge the winner of the Hrgovic-Dubois fight later this summer. Securing this title would put Joshua back in prime position for a potential bout with the winner of the anticipated Usyk-Fury rematch. Regardless of the IBF title’s fate, Usyk’s status as the top contender remains unchallenged. However, Joshua regaining the belt he first claimed by defeating Charles Martin in 2016 would reignite his championship aspirations.
Potential Big Fights
The other sanctioning bodies have their own mandatory challengers, but the reception of the Usyk-Fury fight might prompt them to delay enforcement of their mandates. The prospect of an undisputed trilogy fight between Usyk and Joshua or a highly anticipated “Battle of Britain” between Fury and Joshua could take precedence.
Hearn emphasised Joshua’s readiness to face any top contender: “He’s ready to fight anybody. He’d love to fight Usyk again. He’d love to fight Tyson Fury. He’s happy to fight Hrgovic. He’s happy to fight Dubois. Happy to fight Parker, Wilder. Any of them,” Hearn said. “You’ve not got a problem with Anthony Joshua. Anybody who wants it can get it but at the same time he wants to regain his heavyweight championship.”
Conclusion
Anthony Joshua remains a central figure in the heavyweight division, ready to take on any challenger to reclaim his title. With potential matchups against Hrgovic, Dubois, Fury, and even a third bout with Usyk, the coming months promise exciting developments for Joshua and boxing fans alike.
