Eddie Hearn, promoter of heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua, has outlined a timeline for Joshua’s anticipated comeback in May or June 2020. Given Joshua’s career statistics of 28 wins, 4 losses, and 25 knockouts, the expectation for his next bout is palpable. Hearn has hinted at two primary opponents: Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois. However, strangely absent from this conversation is Oleksandr Usyk, the man who handed Joshua two of his four losses. This omission raises eyebrows, suggesting Hearn might be skeptical about Joshua’s ability to reclaim his former glory against Usyk.
Hearn’s decision not to prioritize a potential bout against Usyk is telling. With Joshua’s previous losses looming large, it seems that Hearn believes that a third encounter with Usyk could be too risky at this stage. Instead, he appears to favor fights against Fury and Dubois—both seen as bouts that could elevate Joshua back into title contention. There is an apparent strategy at play here: Hearn may be maneuvering Joshua toward matchups with a higher likelihood of success, where he can showcase his skills and regain confidence.
Furthermore, Hearn mentioned the upcoming match between Fury and Usyk, stating that the outcome of that bout should dictate Joshua’s next steps. If Fury emerges victorious, it opens the door for a high-stakes clash between him and Joshua, which would capture the boxing world’s attention. Hearn’s remarks indicate that he recognizes the value of high-profile fights that could rekindle Joshua’s star power, without risking another setback against Usyk.
Hearn points out Joshua’s recent activity, suggesting that he is fully prepared to fight again, having fought four times from April to March against opponents like Jermaine Franklin and Francis Ngannou. However, the quality of opponents can’t be overlooked. Critics might argue that these were not the most formidable threats and that Joshua’s choice to engage with these fighters was more about maintaining activity than facing significant challenges.
Hearn acknowledges the necessity of time for Joshua to recover from previous defeats. Still, the question remains—are these merely warm-up fights, or do they represent a calculated approach to re-establish Joshua as a leading heavyweight contender? Hearn insists that there’s no need for any preliminary fight, suggesting that Joshua is ready to jump back into the deep end without easing in, a decision that could be detrimental or transformative.
As the boxing landscape is continually shifting, Hearn’s focus remains sharp on the most appealing matchups for Joshua. He dismisses the idea of any other bouts outside of the potential rematch with Dubois or the high-octane clash with Fury. However, this leaves fans questioning the robustness of Joshua’s road ahead. If he does stumble against Usyk again, where does that leave him? The heavyweight division is known for its volatility, and one misstep can drastically alter a career trajectory.
While Hearn is optimistic about Joshua’s immediate future, the path forward is fraught with complexity. The omission of Usyk from their strategy speaks volumes about the calculated risk-taking that lies ahead, ensuring that fans will be closely watching for any moves Joshua makes in the ring as he attempts to restore his reputation and regain title contention. The decisions made now will not only impact Joshua’s career but also the heavyweight boxing scene as a whole.