Matchroom Sport’s Eddie Hearn has disclosed the strategic plan behind the anticipated Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder bout, revealing that it is likely to materialize in 2024. Both fighters are scheduled for separate matches on December 23 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with Joshua facing Otto Wallin and Wilder taking on Joseph Parker.
Hearn had previously hinted at Joshua’s consideration of facing Croatian fighter Filip Hrgovic for the vacant IBF title. However, the looming unification bout between current unified champion Oleksandr Usyk and WBC champion Tyson Fury in February 2024 may lead to the belts being fragmented, particularly the IBF.
In this scenario, Hearn believes Joshua challenging Hrgovic for the IBF title could be a possibility. Nevertheless, he emphasizes that the momentum built by Joshua and Wilder with victories on December 23 might make a showdown between the two inevitable in 2024.
Hearn stated, “It’s very likely that after Fury vs Usyk 1, the belts will fragment, particularly the IBF. If that fragments and Joshua beats Wallin on Dec. 23rd, it would be Hrgovic against Joshua. But by then it’s very likely that Joshua vs Wilder could be contracted and probably will be contracted.”
He further emphasized the potential significance of a Joshua vs Wilder matchup, considering it as possibly the biggest fight in boxing. Hearn highlighted that if both fighters secure victories on December 23 on the same card, the momentum and anticipation for the Joshua vs Wilder clash would be unparalleled.
In summary, Hearn’s insight suggests that the stars aligning with victories for Joshua and Wilder in December could set the stage for a monumental showdown between the two heavyweight titans in 2024.
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