Eddie Hearn has revealed three options for Anthony Joshua’s next bout to beat Jermaine Franklin.
After two consecutive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, losing the unified heavyweight title in the process, ‘AJ’ is in rebuilding mode and will restart his campaign against Franklin on April 1 in London. .
If he wins as expected, his promoter has big plans. Listen to the reveal with TalkSPORT that he would aim to face one of the three.
“Joshua has three options if he beats Franklin – Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury and Dillian Whyte.
And people say, ‘you throw Dillian Whyte in there because that’s what’s going to happen’, I mean that’s the easiest fight to do and I don’t think there’s any disgrace, after Usyk fought, Franklin, Dillian Whyte, Tyson Fury or Deontay Wilder. It’s a hell of 2023.
A bout with Deontay Wilder took place years ago, when both boxers held all four major belts between them. Instead, Wilder chose to face the returning Tyson Fury, and ultimately lost the belt to him during three fights.
Team USA recently said that they are ready to negotiate with ‘AJ’ immediately, although fans would be forgiven for being pessimistic about whether previous disputes and bad blood can be fixed. or not.
As for WBC Champion Fury, the pair came close to a fight beyond imagination last year. Everything falls apart and it’s unclear how Joshua got involved in the ‘King of Gypsy’ scheme. Currently, he is moving towards an undisputed war with Usyk.
Of the three, Whyte is the most likely for a few reasons. First, despite not having a long-term deal, he has been represented by Hearn for most of his career.
That will go a long way compared to the strained relationships the promoter has with both Fury and Wilder, and there will be enough heat in the build to justify a major event.
The pair rematched in 2015, with ‘AJ’ topping the seventh inning, and the drive for revenge is something Whyte has said he appreciates as a title.
It’s by no means signed, though, and ‘The Bodysnatcher’ wasn’t happy when it was announced that Joshua would be up against Franklin – whom he defeated last November.
It all depends on the results and style it achieves before Franklin. Joshua – under the new coach, Derrick James – should make a statement to convince fans that he is on his way back to the top again.
