Barry Hearn Speaks on the Joshua vs Wilder Situation

Deontay Wilder, Barry Hearn, Anthony Joshua
Left: Wilder, Middle: Hearn, Right: Joshua

Barry Hearn, father of Eddie Hearn, shares his thoughts on the Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder debacle


In a recent interview with iFL TV Barry Hearn gave a provocative interview on the Joshua vs Wilder situation. The interview has sparked a lot of buzz from fans of both camps. Here are a few quotes that stood out.

“If you [Josuhua] told me that you were going to retire in 6 months, then I’d tell you to fight Wilder now. If you’re in for the long run, then that fight can only get bigger.

“The fight might me worth $70-$80 million now but, two years from now it might be worth $250-$300 million. Look how Pacquiao and Mayweather played it.

“Sometimes that’s how you have to play it. Right now nobody can beat either guy, and we’re willing to risk seeing if either will lose. Life is about taking chances sometimes.

“I told AJ if he were retiring in six months it would make sense to take the fight now. But he’s not. Another thing is you don’t take a fight on another man’s soil, the money is insignificant.”

The biggest takeaway from the interview is that Joshua vs Wilder is still not set in stone, and if nothing major changes on the heavyweight landscape the fight will stay on ice.

Currently both fighters have bouts lined up. Joshua will headline the first DAZN card against Alexander Povetkin and Wilder is close to closing a deal with Tyson Fury.

Hearn also contradicted his son Eddie Hearn on the possibility of Joshua fighting Fury even if he does lose to Wilder. Barry Hearn also indicated that Dillian Whyte may get a rematch with Joshua in April.

So for now it looks as if we have a Mayweather/Pacquiao situation brewing with no conclusion in sight.

As boxing fans, do you feel you’re being shortchanged by this business model? Will both fighters be able to maintain their position for the foreseeable future? Are there any fight either can fight in the meantime that excite you?

By: Corey Cunningham

1 Comment

  1. He’s basically making EXCUSES for the COWARD his son is promoting.
    Nothing he said should surprise anyone.
    They’re protecting their investment.
    Why wouldn’t A.J. want to be the undisputed heavyweight champ?
    One reason, he knows he can’t win.

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About Corey C.179 Articles
Corey is a contributor for 3kingsboxing.com.