Anthony Joshua, the former heavyweight champion, is actively seeking a new opponent for his upcoming fight on August 12. This fight is crucial for Joshua as he aims to step into the ring before his proposed December bout against Deontay Wilder in Saudi Arabia.
Eddie Hearn, the promoter for both Joshua and Wilder, has revealed that a potential fight between Joshua and Dillian Whyte is no longer viable due to Whyte’s rejection of the offer presented to him. Hearn clarified recent reports, stating, “It’s not true that Whyte asked for £10m. We made him an offer, but it fell significantly short of their expectations. There were minimal negotiations thereafter. Whyte never requested £10m; I’m unsure of the source, but it’s untrue.”
Among the possible contenders, German boxer Agit Kabayel has emerged as a potential opponent for Joshua. Hearn acknowledged this by saying, “He might be on a long list. I mean, anyone in the top 15.” However, Hearn emphasized that their primary focus is Joshua’s fight against Deontay Wilder in December. Therefore, Joshua needs an opponent who can provide him with valuable ring time to implement the strategies he has been working on with his coach, Derrick James.
Hearn explained the challenge they face, stating, “There’s no point in fighting someone Joshua can defeat in a single round. It’s difficult to face an elite fighter ranked in the top three or top five when he’s scheduled to fight Deontay Wilder just four months later.”
Acknowledging the predicament they find themselves in, Hearn admitted, “We are in a somewhat difficult position, but we want Joshua to fight. Saudi Arabia may not want him to fight because they want him fully prepared for Deontay Wilder in December. However, as a team, we all believe that having a fight in August would greatly benefit his preparation.”
Source: PUNCH
