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Boxing

Eddie Hearn unveils Anthony Joshua plan with 'mega fight' wanted in 2023

Eddie Hearn unveils Anthony Joshua plan with 'mega fight' wanted in 2023GettyImages

Anthony Joshua’s comeback is set be confirmed shortly with full details of his next opponent and new training team close to being unveiled.  

The 2012 Olympic gold medallist failed to beat Oleksandr Usyk for a second time last August, but the goal to become a three-time heavyweight champion remains intact. 

Despite his consecutive losses to Usyk, Joshua’s name continues to be linked to the division's biggest name such as Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder.  

Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, is fully aware of the commercial appeal his man holds, but he’s not prepared to rush his man back into a huge fight at this moment. 

“We pretty much know his date. We’re down to three or four opponents that we’re talking to,” said Hearn on The DAZN Boxing Show. “Obviously, rumours of his new training team, and there will be a full announcement from Anthony Joshua on that. 

“He’s in a great place and ready to start camp, actually. I believe this week that camp will begin. Honestly, I couldn’t give Anthony Joshua an opponent that he would turn down. It’s more about the training team. 

“The plan now is to rebuild him to become a three-time heavyweight world champion, and the trainer will want to take the appropriate steps to do that. 

Hearn added, “It’s all very well being brave, listening to Twitter, going out, and fighting Deontay Wilder [next] and doing this and doing that, but there has to be a plan, a smart plan. 

“A smart plan is he wants to return against a top 15 guy in a credible fight and return in the summer against probably Dillian Whyte and then move forward against Deontay Wilder or Tyson Fury in a mega fight in the ultimate 2023.” 

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