Eddie Hearn Rules Out Joshua vs Whyte Rematch; Filip Hrgovic A Likely Candidate
According to Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, the rematch featuring two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony “AJ” Joshua (25-3, 22KO) and Dillian “The Body Snatcher” Whyte (29-3, 19KO) is officially dead.
The bad blood these two fighters goes deep. For a moment, fans thought they would settle it once again in the ring. In April, the British promoter floated the possibility of the rematch taking place as Whyte was in discussions to be Joshua’s next opponent.
While speaking with iFL TV, Hearn emphatically admitted the fight will not happen.
“I believe that fight is not going to be next for Anthony Joshua.”
That statement shouldn’t come as a surprise to those that have been following the story. It was clear that the fight was off the table when Hearn admitted they were looking at other opponents.
WHO WILL AJ FIGHT NEXT?
In a previous interview, the always-vocal promoter claimed that, short of a bout with Whyte, they would look to fight someone within the top 15 in the ranking system.
When looking at the rankings, one name seems to stand out and makes logical sense. Top contender Filip Hrgovic could be called upon to fight Joshua next. He is the IBF mandatory challenger which makes him the perfect target to put Joshua back into the title hunt.
Negotiations for the fight wouldn’t be a problem considering both fighters are part of the Matchroom Boxing stable. The boxing community is waiting to see who will get the nod to fight Joshua next.
3kingsboxing will continue to monitor this story for any new developments.
