Eddie Hearn Teases Joshua v Whyte 2 in Early 2023!
There’s a cloud of uncertainty about two-time unified heavyweight champion “AJ” Anthony Joshua (24-3, 22 KOs). Now that it’s clear he will not fight WBC champion Tyson Fury in December, who could be next up for AJ?
RUNNING IT BACK WITH THE BODY SNATCHER?
During an appearance on the DAZN Boxing show, Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, teased what is next on the cards for the ex-champ. The answer from the Chairman of Matchroom Promotions gave some insight after a recent conversation with AJ.
“Probably January or February (2023) is where we’re looking at. In terms of names, talking to him the other day, he wants to fight Dillian Whyte, really. Dillian Whyte fights November 29 against (Jermaine) Franklin […] we’ll see how that plays out. I think Dillian Whyte is the frontrunner, if he comes through.”
Joshua and Whyte (28-3, 19 KOs) are long-time, bitter rivals. When both men were the rising contenders, they battled it out in an all-British grudge match in April 2015. It was an exciting bout where both men were hurt. But ultimately, Joshua stopped the fighter known as “The Body Snatcher” in seven rounds. “AJ” went on to win world titles and become one of the most recognizable boxers and athletes on the globe, while Whyte never gained anything equal to the same success.
RIGHT FIGHT AT THE RIGHT TIME?
Were the rematch to happen, it would be a case where both men are in rebuild mode. Whyte is coming off a sixth-round TKO defeat at the hands of reigning WBC champion Tyson Fury in April 2022. As for Joshua, he is still stinging from a rematch loss to current unified champion Oleksandr Usyk in August 2022.
Oddly, Joshua and Whyte fighting again in early 2023 would make some sense. Both are with Matchroom. The matchup would bring in a decent crowd and pull good numbers in England. In addition, they are far from the best of friends. Their mutual dislike would add a bit of additional intrigue to what would be a crossroads fight.
For Hearn to bring up the possibility of a particular fight is one thing. It’s another thing for it to be on the verge of being announced. Is Hearn teasing the boxing public, or is there actual meat to the bone and negotiations happening behind the scenes? At the very least, it’s something worth paying some attention to. Stay tuned to 3Kings Boxing for any further updates.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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