Eddie Hearn Signals That Anthony Joshua vs Dillian Whyte II Is Next
Speculation is coming in from all sides as to who will be the next opponent for two-time heavyweight champion Anthony “AJ” Joshua (25-3, 22 KOs). According to Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, a Joshua rematch with rival Dillian “The Body Snatcher” Whyte (29-3, 19 KOs) is under consideration.
Joshua is fresh off a unanimous decision victory over Jermaine Franklin (21-2, 14 KOs) on April 1 in London, England. During an interview with Matchroom Boxing, Hearn was asked about the viability of Joshua – Whyte II occurring later this year.
“The Dillian Whyte fight is a great fight, and I think that Dillian would be up for that fight. I think that it’s a good fight for AJ coming off the back of Franklin.”
Joshua and Whyte fought in December 2015, with AJ coming away with a win by seventh-round stoppage. Whyte has longed to fight Joshua again.
THE BEST OPTION FOR AJ
A large segment of the British public would love to see a match between AJ and reigning WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury (33-0-1, 24 KOs). Hearn conceded to Matchroom that there could be a limited time to negotiate that fight.
Joshua came into the Franklin fight off back-to-back defeats to current unified champion Oleksandr Usyk. The win over Franklin was his first since a tenth-round stoppage over Kubrat Pulev in December 2020. Joshua is also working with his new trainer, Derrick James. So, it’s a serious question as to whether Joshua is even ready for a fight with Fury at the present time.
So, it may behoove Hearn to push Joshua in the direction of a rematch with Whyte. It would be a reasonable matchup for this summer in England. Whyte was on hand for Joshua’s win over Franklin, and you know The Body Snatcher would love to have his opportunity to get revenge. It will be interesting what Hearn and Joshua decide to do next.
