Eddie Hearn Pushes Back at Deontay Wilder’s Hinting That He Wants to Fight Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz
You cannot talk heavyweight boxing without mentioning Eddie Hearn. The CEO of Matchroom Boxing promotes unified IBF/WBA “Super”/WBO World Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (24-1, 22 KOs) and heavyweight contender Dillian Whyte (27-2, 18 KOs). Hearn is currently working to finalize a fight between Joshua and current WBC World Heavyweight champ Tyson Fury (30-0-1, 21 KOs).
Another name included in any discussion about the sport’s glamour division is former WBC belt-holder Deontay Wilder (42-1-1, 41 KOs). Idle since his loss to Fury in February of 2020, he remains a prominent figure and should never be overlooked.
The 35-year-old from Tuscaloosa, Alabama seems ready to get back on the good foot. Known worldwide as “Bomb Squad”, Wilder declared he wants to come back and clean out the division. In an interview on Instagram Live, he poked at the possibility of facing Joshua and former unified heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz (33-2, 22 KOs).
SAY WHAT NOW?
Hearn is currently in London promoting a Matchroom event that will air on February 20, live on DAZN. He was asked by iFL TV about Wilder’s recent comment.
“We tried so hard to fight Deontay Wilder and he never wanted to fight AJ, but now he wants to fight him. It’s the same thing with Dillian Whyte. Dillian Whyte did everything to try and fight Deontay Wilder.
Deontay Wilder does not beat Anthony Joshua and he does not beat Andy Ruiz either, that’s for sure. He has to be very careful of those fights. Now, Andy Ruiz has teamed up with Eddie Reynoso and I think he’s going to be a real force.
I don’t think there’s many heavyweights out there who will beat Andy Ruiz honestly, if he’s on it. He will be with Eddie Reynoso. I think he will give Deontay Wilder fits.
He’s fighting Arreola, which he’ll win in style. Let’s see Deontay back in the ring. Enough talking now. It’s been a year since you fought. Come on, let’s see you back.”
CONTINUED ANIMOSITY?
The beef between Hearn and Wilder has been ongoing for years. Negotiations for a fight between Wilder and Anthony Joshua took place in 2018 and 2019. Sadly, egos got in the way and accusations were thrown around from both sides. Neither party could agree on money and a host of other issues. Fans were frustrated by the impasse.
Then there was the saga between Wilder and Dillian Whyte. During Wilder’s reign as WBC champion, Whyte was the WBC #1 heavyweight contender for two years. Both men engaged in heavy verbal sparring, but a fight between the two never materialized.
Assertions of Wilder losing to both Joshua and Ruiz are eye-raising. Yes, he was TKO’d by Fury in his last fight. However, many astute pundits would give the power-puncher from Alabama a better than decent chance to defeat both Wilder and Ruiz. Ruiz is set to fight Chris Arreola this spring. Joshua is working to fight Fury. Any chance of Wilder fighting them is a long-term proposition at this point.
Hearn is correct about one thing, however. It’s time for Mr. Bomb Squad to start fighting again. He is arguably the biggest puncher in boxing and one of its biggest personalities. Instead of talking about who he would like to go to war with, it would be nice if news broke about the announcement of a future fight.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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