Eddie Hearn has informed Sky Sports activities Anthony Joshua has not agreed to battle in Africa this December, with February a ‘strong date’ for his subsequent bout.
Hypothesis has mounted that Joshua may look to stage a comeback battle in Africa, with Ghana and Nigeria potential areas.
Joshua has Nigerian heritage and heavyweight contender Kingsley Ibeh was born within the nation. Hearn poured chilly water on solutions a December battle was agreed, nevertheless.
“No, definitely not [fight in Africa agreed]. There’s all kinds of rumours swirling around about Anthony Joshua at the moment,” Hearn informed Sky Sports activities.
“As all the time within the boxing world, perhaps 5 per cent are proper and 95 per cent are fallacious. The scenario is he is in camp, he is began his coaching camp now. We had talked about the potential for some type of run-out battle this yr.
“I believe as the times cross, that turns into much less doubtless. February is the strong date for an AJ battle. Now, whether or not that is a second battle or whether or not that is his first battle again, we’ll see.
“As I mentioned, at this stage, it looks like February will probably be his subsequent battle. However we talked earlier than about it being troublesome for AJ since you come again off what will probably be a yr and a half out of the ring at that time and also you’re thrust again into an enormous area or stadium.
“Back in a high-profile fight, back in a tough fight. We just talked about the kind of blessing that would be a run-out fight without those kind of pressures. And just a chance for him to wrap his hands, get back in the feet of things.
“However he is by no means actually had the chance to do this. Sadly, that comes with the territory of being Anthony Joshua. Proper now, he is in coaching camp and he is very centered for his return.
“We have had offers to stage an AJ fight in Ghana. Also approaches to stage an AJ fight in Nigeria. Also, obviously, we’re in deep conversations with Turki Al-Sheikh about a multi-fight deal that could include Tyson Fury, which would be the greatest scenario.
“There are quite a lot of choices. However I can let you know now, the principle factor is that he is again in full coaching camp and his thoughts is totally centered on a return to the ring. That is nice information.”
Hearn: Joshua’s final objective to battle and knock out Fury
Eddie Hearn chatting with Sky Sports activities on Thursday:
“I think the key is to get him [Joshua] in the best physical condition and frame of mind and momentum to fight Tyson Fury.
“Now, we will not management what Fury does. What we all know is his excellence [Turki Al-Sheikh], he desires to make that battle. And he is bought an excellent observe document of constructing fights when he desires to make them. From our facet, we’re in negotiations for our facet of a deal to battle Tyson Fury. However extra importantly, we have now a plan transferring ahead over the subsequent 12 months.
“That deal is irrelevant till Tyson Fury additionally does his take care of Turki Al-Sheikh to battle Anthony Joshua. So there is no level calling him out. He is his personal man.
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Eddie Hearn informed Sky Sports activities Information he’s ‘hopeful’ a battle between Anthony Joshua and Fury is feasible
“If he wants the fight, he takes the fight. I feel like he’s a competitor. I feel like if they both leave the sport without fighting each other, we’ll always kick ourselves, and it will be a big shame. But they’re their own people. They’re their own men and they’ll make their own decisions. We’re in.
“AJ desires it unhealthy. I really feel like Fury is the one individual he has actually talked about with venom. About desirous to do a job on him. I need him to knock him out, and he actually desires to do this however we have now to get it proper.
“If we don’t get Fury, we’ll always kick ourselves. But we need the big man to say: ‘Let’s roll and give the British public the fight they’ve always wanted.'”
