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Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has dismissed suggestions that Anthony Joshua is considering retirement despite his recent high-profile defeats to Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois.
The British-Nigerian boxer suffered a devastating knockout loss to Dubois in his last fight, leading to speculation about his future in the sport.
“Not yet, but there will come the time,” Hearn told BetFred when asked about retirement plans for the former two-time heavyweight champion.
“Those kinds of conversations really come from behind the scenes from how somebody is performing in camp. In training camp, if you haven’t got it anymore, it’ll be apparent. The injuries will get worse, you’ll get hurt in sparring against somebody you shouldn’t be getting hurt against.”
Right now because Tyson Fury is retired, so put him to the side for one second, the number one choice for AJ is to fight for the world heavyweight title. That’s 99% of what he wants to do and if that’s Daniel Dubois, no problem. If that’s Joseph Parker, no problem,” Hearn added.
The promoter also defended Joshua’s previous decision to face Usyk, responding to critics who questioned that choice.
“Some people say he shouldn’t have fought Oleksandr Usyk. What are you talking about? It’s your job, he’s the mandatory, what do you want to do? Give your belt up and have all that criticism that you ducked Usyk and you vacated your belt to do it?” he said.
Reports suggest Joshua is planning two fights this year, though opponents and dates are yet to be confirmed.
