Prominent boxing promoter Eddie Hearn anticipates an exciting prospect for Anthony Joshua’s 2024 debut, as he envisions the British-Nigerian facing Deontay Wilder, provided both emerge victorious in their respective bouts on December 23. Joshua is set to headline against Otto Wallin in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, while Wilder will take on Joseph Parker on the same card, setting the stage for a potential blockbuster heavyweight matchup.
Hearn, the Head of Matchroom Sport, had initially hinted at Joshua pursuing a vacant IBF title shot against the highly-rated Filip Hrgovic of Croatia. The IBF belt, currently held by unified champion Oleksandr Usyk, is part of a unification bout where Usyk will defend his three belts against WBC champion Tyson Fury on February 17 in Riyadh. The unfolding events set the stage for significant developments in the heavyweight division, adding anticipation and intrigue to the sport.
Hearn believes that if an undisputed champion is crowned in the fight, the belts are likely to be seperated again because of the mandatory demands of the sanctioning bodies, especially that of the IBF.
In that scenario, Joshua facing off against Hrgovic for the IBF title could be appealing as it would afford the 34-year-old the chance to become a three-time heavyweight champion.
However, now Hearn feels that there would be too much momentum for Joshua vs Wilder in that time frame to consider any other options.
“It’s very likely that after Fury vs Usyk 1, the belts will fragment, particularly the IBF. If that fragments and Joshua beats Wallin on Dec. 23rd, it would be Hrgovic against Joshua. But by then it’s very likely that Joshua vs Wilder could be contracted and probably will be contracted,” Hearn told Boxing Social.
“We won’t be able to U-turn at that point. We’re full steam ahead trying to make the Wilder fight. WBC final eliminator? If that’s what it’s called. I would just call it the biggest fight in boxing at that point. When that fight happens and the only way that fight happens is if they both win on December 23rd on the same card. And if they do win on the same card, on the same night, that fight is the biggest fight in boxing.”
