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Who should AJ fight next?
Anthony Joshua’s December fight ‘SCRAPPED’ with Brit star now set to make ring return in February or early March
ANTHONY JOSHUA'S December fight has reportedly been scrapped with the Brit now not set to return to the ring until 2023.
There had been plans in the works for AJ to set up a bout for December.
His last fight was August's rematch loss to Oleksandr Usyk and Joshua's team were preparing a string of fights to get their man back in contention for another world title shot.
But any plans of that nature have now been shelved, Boxing Scene report.
Joshua is now not expected back in the ring until early 2023 with potential December fights against either Otto Wallin and Chris Arreola not going ahead.
The former WBA, WBO, IBO and IBF heavyweight champion is now expected to have a fight in February or March, before a bigger challenge in the summer.
The report indicates a potential rematch with Dillian Whyte could be on the cards following Joshua's win in the initial fight between them in 2015.
Whyte last fought - and lost - in April earlier this year against Fury.
Deontay Wilder has also been making noises about a potential clash in Africa between himself and AJ.
For a long time it appeared Joshua and Fury would finally face each other in the ring, to the delight of boxing fans.
Weeks of negotiations between both camps followed, with the Gypsy King often making interventions via Twitter rants.
Eventually it became clear that the two sides could not thrash out a deal and a fight for December fell apart.
Fury will now be facing Derek Chisora before the end of the year, and is getting in shape ahead of the clash.
Brit heavyweight Daniel Dubois will take his place on the undercard in a fight at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium on December 3.
https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/20169...mber-fight-aj/
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Re: Who should AJ fight next?
OMG, all these retreads! :(
Whyte... Chisora... seems like these names come up every time one of the HW champions is stumped as to their next opponent.
Enough already! :p
That's why that post I put on the Heavyweight Fight Schedule thread is so important. We desperately need new blood!
So Fury-Joshua negotiations have gone nowhere?
Sounds vaguely familiar. :rolleyes: What's the common denominator here?
Joshua! It would seem like.
Remember when Joshua-Wilder was going nowhere fast? We were all bored into a stupor, when Fury swooped in and saved the day.
"You don't want to fight Wilder, AJ? It's ok... I'll take it."
But geez... stop it already with the Whyte/Chisora reruns. Let's get some new blood in here.
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Re: Who should AJ fight next?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
TitoFan
OMG, all these retreads! :(
Whyte... Chisora... seems like these names come up every time one of the HW champions is stumped as to their next opponent.
Enough already! :p
That's why that post I put on the Heavyweight Fight Schedule thread is so important. We desperately need new blood!
So Fury-Joshua negotiations have gone nowhere?
Sounds vaguely familiar. :rolleyes: What's the common denominator here?
Joshua! It would seem like.
Remember when Joshua-Wilder was going nowhere fast? We were all bored into a stupor, when Fury swooped in and saved the day.
"You don't want to fight Wilder, AJ? It's ok... I'll take it."
But geez... stop it already with the Whyte/Chisora reruns. Let's get some new blood in here.
Except Wilder admitted he avoided Joshua. It is pretty important element to not include.
Fury was never going to fight Joshua. He has put the nails into his own reputations coffin with the Chisora fight.
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Re: Who should AJ fight next?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Beanz
Quote:
Originally Posted by
TitoFan
OMG, all these retreads! :(
Whyte... Chisora... seems like these names come up every time one of the HW champions is stumped as to their next opponent.
Enough already! :p
That's why that post I put on the Heavyweight Fight Schedule thread is so important. We desperately need new blood!
So Fury-Joshua negotiations have gone nowhere?
Sounds vaguely familiar. :rolleyes: What's the common denominator here?
Joshua! It would seem like.
Remember when Joshua-Wilder was going nowhere fast? We were all bored into a stupor, when Fury swooped in and saved the day.
"You don't want to fight Wilder, AJ? It's ok... I'll take it."
But geez... stop it already with the Whyte/Chisora reruns. Let's get some new blood in here.
Except Wilder admitted he avoided Joshua. It is pretty important element to not include.
Fury was never going to fight Joshua. He has put the nails into his own reputations coffin with the Chisora fight.
If by "avoided" you mean his adversity to accept the beyond ridiculous initial split thrown to him of 80/20... then have negotiations drag on interminably until Fury stepped in and spared us all the never-ending drama... then yes... I guess Wilder "avoided" Joshua. You make it sound like Team Joshua was chomping at the bit to face Wilder... when it's pretty much common knowledge that Team AJ was basically offering the unacceptable.
Regarding Fury's intentions with Joshua... I guess only Fury himself would know.
Not a Fury fan... not a Wilder fan... just a heavyweight fan. I don't carry the torch for any heavyweight, and just call 'em like I see them.
Seems like every time there are stalled or non-existent negotiations, AJ's involved.
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Re: Who should AJ fight next?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
TitoFan
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Beanz
Quote:
Originally Posted by
TitoFan
OMG, all these retreads! :(
Whyte... Chisora... seems like these names come up every time one of the HW champions is stumped as to their next opponent.
Enough already! :p
That's why that post I put on the Heavyweight Fight Schedule thread is so important. We desperately need new blood!
So Fury-Joshua negotiations have gone nowhere?
Sounds vaguely familiar. :rolleyes: What's the common denominator here?
Joshua! It would seem like.
Remember when Joshua-Wilder was going nowhere fast? We were all bored into a stupor, when Fury swooped in and saved the day.
"You don't want to fight Wilder, AJ? It's ok... I'll take it."
But geez... stop it already with the Whyte/Chisora reruns. Let's get some new blood in here.
Except Wilder admitted he avoided Joshua. It is pretty important element to not include.
Fury was never going to fight Joshua. He has put the nails into his own reputations coffin with the Chisora fight.
If by "avoided" you mean his adversity to accept the beyond ridiculous initial split thrown to him of 80/20... then have negotiations drag on interminably until Fury stepped in and spared us all the never-ending drama... then yes... I guess Wilder "avoided" Joshua. You make it sound like Team Joshua was chomping at the bit to face Wilder... when it's pretty much common knowledge that Team AJ was basically offering the unacceptable.
Regarding Fury's intentions with Joshua... I guess only Fury himself would know.
Not a Fury fan... not a Wilder fan... just a heavyweight fan. I don't carry the torch for any heavyweight, and just call 'em like I see them.
Seems like every time there are stalled or non-existent negotiations, AJ's involved.
I could easily dredge up tons of stuff , but it’s ridiculous to keep going back.
But one thing to think about……….when the AJ/Wilder negotiations were going on, Wilder was shooting his mouth off, but had had an operation on his arm, so would not even have been fit enough to go into camp at that time. But he carried on talking.
The time before this that Fury & AJ were negotiating, everything is agreed and just before it gets signed, Fury realises he’s contractually bound to fight Wilder again.
Could that not have been mentioned as a possible stumbling block?
So it’s still AJ’s fault?
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Re: Who should AJ fight next?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
TitoFan
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Beanz
Quote:
Originally Posted by
TitoFan
OMG, all these retreads! :(
Whyte... Chisora... seems like these names come up every time one of the HW champions is stumped as to their next opponent.
Enough already! :p
That's why that post I put on the Heavyweight Fight Schedule thread is so important. We desperately need new blood!
So Fury-Joshua negotiations have gone nowhere?
Sounds vaguely familiar. :rolleyes: What's the common denominator here?
Joshua! It would seem like.
Remember when Joshua-Wilder was going nowhere fast? We were all bored into a stupor, when Fury swooped in and saved the day.
"You don't want to fight Wilder, AJ? It's ok... I'll take it."
But geez... stop it already with the Whyte/Chisora reruns. Let's get some new blood in here.
Except Wilder admitted he avoided Joshua. It is pretty important element to not include.
Fury was never going to fight Joshua. He has put the nails into his own reputations coffin with the Chisora fight.
If by "avoided" you mean his adversity to accept the beyond ridiculous initial split thrown to him of 80/20... then have negotiations drag on interminably until Fury stepped in and spared us all the never-ending drama... then yes... I guess Wilder "avoided" Joshua. You make it sound like Team Joshua was chomping at the bit to face Wilder... when it's pretty much common knowledge that Team AJ was basically offering the unacceptable.
Regarding Fury's intentions with Joshua... I guess only Fury himself would know.
Not a Fury fan... not a Wilder fan... just a heavyweight fan. I don't carry the torch for any heavyweight, and just call 'em like I see them.
Seems like every time there are stalled or non-existent negotiations, AJ's involved.
https://twitter.com/bronzebomber/sta...243072?lang=en
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Re: Who should AJ fight next?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Primo Carnera
Quote:
Originally Posted by
TitoFan
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Beanz
Quote:
Originally Posted by
TitoFan
OMG, all these retreads! :(
Whyte... Chisora... seems like these names come up every time one of the HW champions is stumped as to their next opponent.
Enough already! :p
That's why that post I put on the Heavyweight Fight Schedule thread is so important. We desperately need new blood!
So Fury-Joshua negotiations have gone nowhere?
Sounds vaguely familiar. :rolleyes: What's the common denominator here?
Joshua! It would seem like.
Remember when Joshua-Wilder was going nowhere fast? We were all bored into a stupor, when Fury swooped in and saved the day.
"You don't want to fight Wilder, AJ? It's ok... I'll take it."
But geez... stop it already with the Whyte/Chisora reruns. Let's get some new blood in here.
Except Wilder admitted he avoided Joshua. It is pretty important element to not include.
Fury was never going to fight Joshua. He has put the nails into his own reputations coffin with the Chisora fight.
If by "avoided" you mean his adversity to accept the beyond ridiculous initial split thrown to him of 80/20... then have negotiations drag on interminably until Fury stepped in and spared us all the never-ending drama... then yes... I guess Wilder "avoided" Joshua. You make it sound like Team Joshua was chomping at the bit to face Wilder... when it's pretty much common knowledge that Team AJ was basically offering the unacceptable.
Regarding Fury's intentions with Joshua... I guess only Fury himself would know.
Not a Fury fan... not a Wilder fan... just a heavyweight fan. I don't carry the torch for any heavyweight, and just call 'em like I see them.
Seems like every time there are stalled or non-existent negotiations, AJ's involved.
I could easily dredge up tons of stuff , but it’s ridiculous to keep going back.
But one thing to think about……….when the AJ/Wilder negotiations were going on, Wilder was shooting his mouth off, but had had an operation on his arm, so would not even have been fit enough to go into camp at that time. But he carried on talking.
The time before this that Fury & AJ were negotiating, everything is agreed and just before it gets signed, Fury realises he’s contractually bound to fight Wilder again.
Could that not have been mentioned as a possible stumbling block?
So it’s still AJ’s fault?
To be clear and put some needed context into all of this... I actually like Joshua.
In comparing his fight against Wlad with Fury's fight against Wlad... I've gone on and on about how the AJ-Wlad fight was a real fight... whereas the Fury-Wlad fight was the borefest of the century.
I defend Joshua's choice of opponents vs Fury's because Fury has had the maddening record of fighting bums. It seemed totally out of character for him when he chose to take the Wilder challenge. Must've seen something some of us didn't.
The only time I've criticized Joshua severely was after his embarrassing soliloquy following his 2nd loss to Usyk.
BUT... facts are facts.
Maybe many here have selective memory... but I remember being totally frustrated at the soap opera that was the Joshua-Wilder negotiations for a fight that never happened.
Whether people want to say it was Wilder who ducked Joshua or vice versa that's neither here nor there. It's all fanaticism dressed as objectivity anyway. ;)
Fact is the fight was never going to happen.
Then Fury swooped in and spared us further punishment. He took the Wilder fight and thus began the trilogy. At least SOMEBODY was fighting.
So let's all dispense with our knee-jerk protective reactions about Joshua. The guy doesn't walk on water, and has as many chinks in his armor as Wilder does.
In fact... that's another reason why they should STILL face each other. They've both been blown off their pedestals of invincibility... and their styles would promise a totally entertaining clash.
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Re: Who should AJ fight next?
It’s not about being a fan or not. It’s not even about who beats who.
It’s about the fact that you implied that fights didn’t get made because of Joshua, when Infact all the fights that didn’t get made with Wilder and Fury were because of everybody EXCEPT Joshua.
I don’t even believe Joshua is that great, but I don’t think the other 2 clowns are either.
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Re: Who should AJ fight next?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Primo Carnera
It’s not about being a fan or not. It’s not even about who beats who.
It’s about the fact that you implied that fights didn’t get made because of Joshua, when Infact all the fights that didn’t get made with Wilder and Fury were because of everybody EXCEPT Joshua.
I don’t even believe Joshua is that great, but I don’t think the other 2 clowns are either.
Well... you can speak for Joshua (uh... no, actually, you can't)... but you can't speak for his manager.
Making an offer of 80/20 to an opponent is another way of saying: "We have no intention of fighting you... and making this insulting offer is a way of saying we wanted to, when we actually didn't."
It's not about who's that great and who isn't. ;)
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Re: Who should AJ fight next?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
TitoFan
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Primo Carnera
It’s not about being a fan or not. It’s not even about who beats who.
It’s about the fact that you implied that fights didn’t get made because of Joshua, when Infact all the fights that didn’t get made with Wilder and Fury were because of everybody EXCEPT Joshua.
I don’t even believe Joshua is that great, but I don’t think the other 2 clowns are either.
Well... you can speak for Joshua (uh... no, actually, you can't)... but you can't speak for his manager.
Making an offer of 80/20 to an opponent is another way of saying: "We have no intention of fighting you... and making this insulting offer is a way of saying we wanted to, when we actually didn't."
It's not about who's that great and who isn't. ;)
That is lovely and all that but does nothing to deal with the FACT that two years ago now Wilder admitted he would have made more money fighting Joshua but decided to duck him and fight Fury instead. It has nothing to do with any kind of desire to protect Joshua's reputation. Wilder ducked him then admitted as much publicly.
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Re: Who should AJ fight next?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
TitoFan
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Primo Carnera
It’s not about being a fan or not. It’s not even about who beats who.
It’s about the fact that you implied that fights didn’t get made because of Joshua, when Infact all the fights that didn’t get made with Wilder and Fury were because of everybody EXCEPT Joshua.
I don’t even believe Joshua is that great, but I don’t think the other 2 clowns are either.
Well... you can speak for Joshua (uh... no, actually, you can't)... but you can't speak for his manager.
Making an offer of 80/20 to an opponent is another way of saying: "We have no intention of fighting you... and making this insulting offer is a way of saying we wanted to, when we actually didn't."
It's not about who's that great and who isn't. ;)
2 sides to every story. YES, he got offered 20% (I think it increased to 30-35% , but I might be mistaken.) BUT that 20% at the time equated to 5 TIMES Wilder’s biggest ever purse!
Let’s be clear, Wilder’s team were just as capable of making Joshua’s team an offer, but they never.
Pure and simple reason being that at the time (and probably still now.) it was Joshua that brings the money.
That’s why Wilder at the time couldn’t make an offer………because they weren’t capable of making an offer anywhere near Joshua/Matchroom’s.
So are you suggesting that Team Joshua, bring the money, do the promotion, sort out everything and then give it all to Wilder , who brings FUCK ALL to the title apart from a belt, of which Joshua already had some.
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Re: Who should AJ fight next?
Scenario.
AJ says to Wilder “I’ll give you £10 million and I get £40 million.
Wilder says to Joshua - no 50/50 we both get £10 million.
WOULD YOU TAKE IT?
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Re: Who should AJ fight next?
So I ask the both of you... what impression did you get from Joshua himself when talking to him about the negotiations with Wilder?
Did you get the sense that he and his team really wanted to fight Deontay?
Was Joshua's team serious about making the fight?
Oh... that's right... you weren't there. :cool:
Neither was I. Which is why I won't get into a "Wilder ducked Joshua... no... Joshua ducked Wilder debate."
All I know is the end result. After months of soap opera haggling... Fury swooped in and fought Wilder instead. Personally... I was relieved.
Now, Primo... is my memory correct? Was it you and Swanson posting page after page after page of "Wilder's ducking Joshua... no... it's the other way around"? Serious question.
Because if it was, I certainly don't want to revisit that.
I stopped theorizing about "X" ducking "Y" or "Y" ducking "X" a long time ago. It's pointless... and in the end, none of us were there.
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Re: Who should AJ fight next?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
TitoFan
So I ask the both of you... what impression did you get from Joshua himself when talking to him about the negotiations with Wilder?
Did you get the sense that he and his team really wanted to fight Deontay?
Was Joshua's team serious about making the fight?
Oh... that's right... you weren't there. :cool:
Neither was I. Which is why I won't get into a "Wilder ducked Joshua... no... Joshua ducked Wilder debate."
All I know is the end result. After months of soap opera haggling... Fury swooped in and fought Wilder instead. Personally... I was relieved.
Now, Primo... is my memory correct? Was it you and Swanson posting page after page after page of "Wilder's ducking Joshua... no... it's the other way around"? Serious question.
Because if it was, I certainly don't want to revisit that.
I stopped theorizing about "X" ducking "Y" or "Y" ducking "X" a long time ago. It's pointless... and in the end, none of us were there.
You’re right, yes it was , great memory.and I agree I don’t want to dredge all that up again.
And you’re also right that we weren’t there. That’s why I try to focus on the facts. But like you say, it’s gone and pretty pointless going on about it.
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Re: Who should AJ fight next?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Primo Carnera
Quote:
Originally Posted by
TitoFan
So I ask the both of you... what impression did you get from Joshua himself when talking to him about the negotiations with Wilder?
Did you get the sense that he and his team really wanted to fight Deontay?
Was Joshua's team serious about making the fight?
Oh... that's right... you weren't there. :cool:
Neither was I. Which is why I won't get into a "Wilder ducked Joshua... no... Joshua ducked Wilder debate."
All I know is the end result. After months of soap opera haggling... Fury swooped in and fought Wilder instead. Personally... I was relieved.
Now, Primo... is my memory correct? Was it you and Swanson posting page after page after page of "Wilder's ducking Joshua... no... it's the other way around"? Serious question.
Because if it was, I certainly don't want to revisit that.
I stopped theorizing about "X" ducking "Y" or "Y" ducking "X" a long time ago. It's pointless... and in the end, none of us were there.
You’re right, yes it was , great memory.and I agree I don’t want to dredge all that up again.
And you’re also right that we weren’t there. That’s why I try to focus on the facts. But like you say, it’s gone and pretty pointless going on about it.
If nothing else, this inspired a new thread for me. It's about negotiations that become frustrating to fans. I may have missed a few, but it's a good discussion. :)
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Re: Who should AJ fight next?
Not to ressurect the AJ v Wilder discussion again but didn't Wilder offer an insane amount to AJ which was refused because they beleved the money was not there?
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Re: Who should AJ fight next?
It's all a pathetic merry go round.
A ruiz rubber match would sell next. One he should win but will be interesting for the fans.
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Re: Who should AJ fight next?
If going by ratings and return strictly, call up Michael Hunter. Maybe a Martin Bakole or Wallin. Still think he has some things to sort out, namely his camp and confidence, and at home he could blow it up in return with those as first steps. Definitely would take all over Arreola ;D:-X.
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Re: Who should AJ fight next?
See now my thinking is a little different to most on this. I don’t think he’s as “mentally fragile” as everyone would have us believe.
Yes, he had a meltdown last time out , and the throwing of the belts is inexcusable, but in the cold light of day he realised he was wrong and made his apologies.
He basically lost twice in a row to somebody who I think would beat every other HW out there.
The style match up is a nightmare for AJ, But nobody else is capable of doing what Usyk does, not even Fury.
People say Fury has good hands , great technique and is nimble on his feet , “FOR A BIG GUY”, but nowhere near Usyk.
All him and the other heavies have on Usyk is size and reach.
Personally I believe Joshua should fight the highest ranked HW available.
Eddie is shitting himself, because it’s his golden ticket.but Joshua doesn’t need tune ups and all that bollocks. Nor do any of them.
Just go out there, fight the best guy you can to stay relevant and worth your purse.
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Re: Who should AJ fight next?
Bakole would be a good one, he gave Yoka a bit of a thrashing but he's a bit unknown even in Britain I think... Bakole would be best off taking on an old but still fairly good gatekeeper....like chisora ah yes the number one ranked heavyweight is fighting chisora, again.
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Re: Who should AJ fight next?
ANTHONY JOSHUA has shown off a new slimline physique ahead of a potential rematch against Dillian Whyte.
The British heavyweight, 33, is set to make a return to the ring early next year, with Whyte currently the "frontrunner" for his next bout.
And following the news, Joshua posted his fresh look to his Instagram page.
His crisp look saw him wearing a navy jacket and trousers with a pair of white, blue and black shoes, along with a pair of black sunglasses.
His post - which received more than 30,000 likes in just over an hour - was captioned: "Casually casual."
And in the image, he appeared to have trimmed down his physique somewhat since his championship fight against Oleksandr Usyk.
Joshua was handed back-to-back defeats for the first time in his pro career against Usyk, seeing him consequently lose his WBA, WBO and IBF titles for good.
Tyson Fury offered Joshua the chance for a blockbuster "Battle of Britain" fight on December 3, but they failed to agree terms and Fury has instead lined up a trilogy fight against Derek Chisora.
Fast forward to now and Joshua is in contention to fight 34-year-old Whyte in a repeat of their 2015 clash.
Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed an ideal time of early next year for Joshua's next fight, and said: "In terms of names, talking to him the other day, he wants to fight Dillian Whyte, really.
"Dillian Whyte fights on November 26 against (Jermaine) Franklin, who is talking a tremendous game, and we’ll see how that plays out.
"I think Dillian Whyte is the frontrunner if he comes through. Otto Wallin is a guy that has reached out numerous times. That’s a good fight for him as well.
"Then there’s the (Deontay) Wilder situation. I’m not saying that’s going to be the fight for January or February, but it’s definitely a fight that he’s looking at.
"The feeling for AJ is the value of - and by the way, none of them are easy fights - a tune-up is sometimes they’re as dangerous as each other.
"I don’t think he wants to start dropping out of the top 15 and top 10 of the governing bodies and just looking for an easy touch.
"I think he wants a real fight, and those are all real fights that you could see."
Joshua was dethroned by Deontay Wilder in Ring Magazine's heavyweight boxing rankings after the Bronze Bomber's first-round knockout victory against Robert Helenius.
https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/20219...whyte-rematch/
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Re: Who should AJ fight next?
Eddie Hearn has revealed that Deontay Wilder's manager, Shelly Finkel, has responded to his Anthony Joshua fight offer via email. Hearn told reporters in August that he had sent his own email to Finkel regarding a 'big money offer' but had received no response.
Now, the Matchroom Boxing chief has disclosed that he received a one-line email back from Finkel querying the financial side of the deal.
Speaking to iD Boxing in Abu Dhabi ahead of Dmitry Bivol vs Zurdo Ramirez, he said: "They actually emailed me today. I emailed him in August to talk about an offer. He came back today; it took a long while but at least he replied.
"That offer that we had for him was for this year, obviously, with our relationship out here, we'd like to continue that offer [for the Middle East]. I actually invited Deontay and Shelly out here this week. They can't come but we'll be working with them and try and come up with some ideas.
"Again, it all depends on AJ if he waits to go into a fight like that or if he has a fight earlier in the year. But I see AJ vs Deontay Wilder as a must-make fight I really do I think it's one of the biggest in the sport.
"They just want to know. They want to know the numbers. Of course, they should do as well because there's a lot of money in play in the shows we do. I feel that we can hopefully have some discussions and see if AJ vs Wilder or Whyte against Wilder or whoever it is could be an option, particularly out here in the Middle East."
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/boxi...3ff7b504058ca0
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Re: Who should AJ fight next?
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Re: Who should AJ fight next?
Eddie Hearn has confirmed the five potential fights for Anthony Joshua when he returns to the ring next year. Hearn previously coined Dillian Whyte as the 'frontrunner'. However, he is not the only opponent in consideration.
Deontay Wilder, Filip Hrgovic, Zhang Zhilei, Otto Wallin, and the winner of Whyte vs Jermaine Franklin on November 26 are all possible options according to the Matchroom Boxing chief.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/boxi...911a33532555fa
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Re: Who should AJ fight next?
Eddie Hearn swore at Anthony Joshua in a baffled reaction to the former heavyweight champion's apparent desire to take on any opponent when he returns to the boxing ring. Joshua's promoter Hearn has also confirmed that the 33-year-old will now not make his return until 2023.
Hearn has been mapping out Joshua's return to action as he looks to reignite his career after two damaging consecutive defeats to unbeaten Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk. Negotiations had broken down with Tyson Fury over a hotly-anticipated Battle of Britain bout in December, and Joshua's next opponent is still unconfirmed.
Deontay Wilder has long been touted as an exciting rival for Joshua in what would prove a thrilling heavyweight match-up. And Matchroom promoter Hearn has confirmed that the Bronze Bomber is a realistic option for Joshua next year.
But he has also revealed the details of a recent conversation where he was left confused as Joshua stated that he would like to go to battle again with Andy Ruiz Jr, who inflicted the first loss of his career in 2019, or with Uzbek prospect Bakhodir Jalovov.
"Definitely, I mean, (Wilder) was one of the names I mentioned to him tonight," Hearn told reporters. "I'm not just saying it, but I couldn't say a fight to AJ that he doesn't go... he said tonight about Andy Ruiz.
"I said have you seen Andy Ruiz over there, he went 'yeah, I'd love to fight him again'. I was like, 'why? You're not fighting him again!'. He was like 'why not?' and I went 'f*** off'. He's horrible!"
Hearn continued: "He saw Jalavov and said 'I'd love to fight him' and I go 'why? He's about 4-0! He just wants to fight everybody. It's just the case of whether he has... and it wouldn't be an easy fight, but an easier fight before he goes into a Deontay Wilder or a Dillian Whyte basically."
Wilder and Whyte have both been identified as opponents for Joshua, but it remains to be seen whether a less accomplished opponent will be preferred on his return. Joshua has struggled with inactivity of late, fighting just five times since beating Alexander Povetkin in 2018.
And Hearn has revealed his star British fighter has taken the rest of the year off after becoming disillusioned with the sport following his Fury frustration.
"He just sort of lost faith a little bit with boxing because he really wanted to fight Tyson Fury," Hearn told Boxing Social. "That's the main reason that he didn't fight this year. He was just pissed off. You know, he [Fury] got his bluff called really, we feel. What are these people doing?
"They say they want to fight me, now I've got a deadline, Chisora gets another month to do the deal, and I had to sign it then. So, that's why you're going to see him [AJ] fight maybe the end of February, but probably March."
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/boxi...e7e0ddf107797c
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Re: Who should AJ fight next?
Anthony Joshua will no longer work with Robert Garcia or any other coach exclusively following his second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk.
'AJ' parted ways with long-term coach Robert McCracken last year after facing heavy criticism for his tactics in his second career defeat to the Ukrainian last year. The former two-time champion then linked up with experienced coach Robert Garcia who came over to the UK to prepare him for the lucrative second meeting in Saudi Arabia back in August.
However Garcia was unable to guide Joshua to his revenge as he lost sight of his unified heavyweight world titles for the foreseeable future after falling to a split decision defeat again against Usyk. Now the British star has insisted he will work with coaches on a fight-to-fight basis, but predicts that he will work with Garcia again in the future.
“So in terms of Robert Garcia, thank you for asking. I respect him a lot," Joshua told Sporting News when asked who would be cornering him for his potential comeback in 2023. "He’s a really good man, really good trainer. Will I work with him again? Yeah I would, but what I’ve said to Robert and the team as well is that I want to be a free spirit. You know, I locked myself down for 11 years with one coach, and now I just feel like I just want to learn as much as possible.
"Honestly, if you know me closely, which a lot of the viewers probably don’t, what it is is it’s not the trainer it’s about the fighter, what he has up here [in his head]. So I feel I’m in a position where I’m able to work with anyone. So, yeah, who knows what will happen next year.”
Garcia, who has trained 14 fighters to world titles during his career, flew over to Joshua's camp to corner the heavyweight with his other trainer Angel Fernandez who the heavyweight had brought over from his existing team. The pair worked at Loughborough University which was a significant move away from his previous long-term Sheffield base.
Despite confidence in Joshua that he could secure unlikely redemption, the 33-year-old was unable to overturn the margins despite showing an improved display. Garcia claimed after the fight that Joshua should consider relocating to America for his next camp, depending on when his opponent is confirmed.
“I told Anthony and all his team that, for me, the best way to keep working together is if Anthony comes to train in my gym in California eight weeks before a fight," García told Izquierdazo. “From six to eight weeks, that’s all I need for a good camp. I told Anthony, ‘I need you to be around more fighters, more champions, I want you to have more fighters for competition, even if they are from the same gym, but you have to compete'."
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/boxin...-news-28440422
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Re: Who should AJ fight next?
Former WBO super featherweight champion Barry Jones 'massively favours' Deontay Wilder to beat Anthony Joshua if they ever face each other. The boxer-turned-pundit used to pick Joshua but now thinks 'there is something lacking, that wasn't lacking before'.
Joshua is set to return to the ring in early 2023 after back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk. According to promoter Eddie Hearn, the winner of Dillian Whyte vs Jermaine Franklin on November 26 is the 'frontrunner' for Joshua's next fight.
The Matchroom Boxing chief also hinted at the possibility of the long-awaited showdown with Wilder taking place at the back end of the year providing all goes well in 'AJ's' next couple of fights. Wilder and manager Shelly Finkel have expressed their willingness to take the fight and early discussions between both parties via email has begun.
Over the years, the fight has failed to make it off the negotiation table but with Wilder recently admitting that he will retire at 40, conservative efforts are being made to make the clash happen. With that in mind, Jones broke down the fight during a recent interview with Intu Boxing and explained why he is now backing Wilder to take home the victory.
"When they were both undefeated, I always fancied Joshua and the reason was because Wilder throws his punches from too far out, you can see them coming. Joshua is neat and tidy and down the middle," said Jones.
"I always thought he will get there first and if he gets there first, you're done. Since, the third Wilder-Fury fight, Wilder showed so much bottle in that fight and now I favour Wilder massively in the Joshua fight."
"If Joshua lands first, he can knock you out, but I think Wilder might be able to take it or get up. If Wilder hits you right, as you're coming forward, you're done. I still think there is something lacking with Joshua, that wasn't lacking before [his defeats], whether that's mental, confidence or if he's unsure of himself. You can see, he second-guesses himself.
"Whether there's too many voices, I don't know what it is, I'm not blaming anybody, but he is not the same. He is still a good fighter, but he is openly vulnerable and for his style and the way he is, that's not a good thing."
Wilder is expected to face Andy Ruiz Jr in a WBC final eliminator for a shot at Tyson Fury's green strap. Sanctioning body president Mauricio Sulaimán has confirmed that the contest will be ordered at the WBC convention this week.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/boxi...36558be8c8ca3e
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Re: Who should AJ fight next?
Speaking to Sporting News, Joshua revealed that he wants to be a 'free spirit' after being 'tied down' by one trainer for 11 years (McCracken).
"So, in terms of Robert Garcia, thank you for asking," he said. "I respect him a lot. He's a really good man, really good trainer. Will I work with him again? Yeah, I would, but what I've said to Robert and the team as well is that I want to be a free spirit. You know, I locked myself down for 11 years with one coach, and now I just feel like I just want to learn as much as possible."
Roy Jones Jr recently disclosed that he has had conversations with Joshua about potentially training him while Garcia came out last week to affirm that he hasn't been in contact with Joshua 'for quite some time'.
With all the speculation surrounding Joshua's next move, McGuigan was asked whether he would train Joshua if approached. Speaking to Seconds Out, he said: "It's Anthony Joshua, of course, I would fancy it.
"Athletic guy, he's got things to learn, and he needs to get the belief back in himself. Genuine belief back in himself, a couple of good victories and then roll the dice again."
He added: "I believe I could get a lot of good work in with AJ. I think as long as he gets back to believing what the right approach is for him then he'll get back to doing great things again."
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/boxi...850a4c7d534003
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Re: Who should AJ fight next?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Master
Speaking to Sporting News, Joshua revealed that he wants to be a 'free spirit' after being 'tied down' by one trainer for 11 years (McCracken).
"So, in terms of Robert Garcia, thank you for asking," he said. "I respect him a lot. He's a really good man, really good trainer. Will I work with him again? Yeah, I would, but what I've said to Robert and the team as well is that I want to be a free spirit. You know, I locked myself down for 11 years with one coach, and now I just feel like I just want to learn as much as possible."
Roy Jones Jr recently disclosed that he has had conversations with Joshua about potentially training him while Garcia came out last week to affirm that he hasn't been in contact with Joshua 'for quite some time'.
With all the speculation surrounding Joshua's next move, McGuigan was asked whether he would train Joshua if approached. Speaking to Seconds Out, he said: "It's Anthony Joshua, of course, I would fancy it.
"Athletic guy, he's got things to learn, and he needs to get the belief back in himself. Genuine belief back in himself, a couple of good victories and then roll the dice again."
He added: "I believe I could get a lot of good work in with AJ. I think as long as he gets back to believing what the right approach is for him then he'll get back to doing great things again."
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/boxi...850a4c7d534003
now I've given AJ a bit more respect than most over time. but this is complete bullshit . I saw an interview with RJJ the other day when his name was being mentioned and they said about AJ saying this about moving around and they asked RJJ if he thought it was a good idea.
He said - "Absolutely not! you can't go to one trainer and he teaches you a ceetain way, then you go to another and he would teach you totally differently so you would get mixed up. I also think he implied that he wouldn't be prepared to train AJ if it was gonna be on that basis.
What Joshua has to understand is that he's looking for something that doesn't exist! he wants a trainer to make him a great boxer.
there is no golden secret to producing great boxers .
Ultimately all the answers are within him. only HE can make himself a great boxer.
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Re: Who should AJ fight next?
AJ does seem lost at the moment and maybe he should just go back to basics with McCracken. The other trainers will say anything to cash in on him.
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Re: Who should AJ fight next?
Hearn told Matchroom Boxing: "I think belts are going to become vacant over the next six-12 months. They always are when there's an undisputed champion.
"So now it's about positioning yourself, Dillian Whyte, AJ of course, into a shot at the world heavyweight title.
"AJ could be fighting the winner of Wilder - Ruiz for the WBC world heavyweight title, could be fighting Filip Hrgovic.
"Dillian Whyte could be fighting Joe Joyce for the WBO world title. There's all kinds of eventualities.
"But the pressure will come from the mandatories, that's just natural when there's a unified and in this case potentially undisputed champion."
https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/11690...nds-andy-ruiz/
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Re: Who should AJ fight next?
AJ should fight his demons next.
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Re: Who should AJ fight next?
When asked whether he would be interested in a trilogy between AJ and Ruiz, Hearn told iFL TV: "It's 1-1, the first fight was nuts, the second fight was a shutout but Andy Ruiz is a great fighter.
"I see Andy Ruiz as someone that can beat Wilder, I really do. I think he's got the IQ to beat him.
"Obviously we know how hard Wilder punches, he's so exciting and dangerous. It's a brilliant fight, I guess that will happen early next year.
"I can't lie the Wilder vs AJ fight is a much bigger fight than the Ruiz trilogy in my opinion but we'll see what happens."
He added: "We messaged them [Wilder's team] in August and they came back at the beginning of November saying 'we'd be up for talking about the fight' to which I said 'we'll come back to you'.
"We've got meetings in the Middle East early next week and that's the kind of fight they would obviously love to acquire.
"But after the Ruiz fight was ordered at the convention, there hasn't been a lot of conversation, no."
Joshua seemed confident that a fight with Wilder is on the cards.
AJ said: "Now he's on a resurgence, I think he's realising, he's said he's got three years left so he wants to tick off his hit-list. Yeah, it'll happen now."
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/boxi...503a82d9475890
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Re: Who should AJ fight next?
Anthony Joshua splits from second coach in year after Oleksandr Usyk loss as he heads to US to replace Robert Garcia
ANTHONY JOSHUA has split with coach Robert Garcia - as promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed the Brit is in the US building a new team.
The two-time heavyweight world champion ended his relationship with long-term trainer Rob McCracken following his first defeat at the hands of Oleksandr Usyk last year and brought in Garcia.
Hearn told Behind The Gloves: "No, he is good. He is out in America at the moment working on his new team.
"He is getting that together and then we will get an opponent sorted and the date is pretty much locked in.
"It is pretty much sorted and we are looking forward to seeing him return."
Joshua is expected to make a return to the ring next year.
https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/20728...sandr-usyk-us/
