Anthony Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn wants the British-Nigerian to face Dillian Whyte this summer as the former heavyweight champion plots a path back to the top of the division.
Joshua overcame Jermaine Franklin on April 1 at the O2 Arena via unanimous decision, his first victory in the ring since December 2020.
Speculation has followed Joshua and his team since regarding his next opponent, with the heavyweight himself stating that he desires a bout with Tyson Fury after his unconvincing triumph over Franklin.
Hearn, however, is seeking a much more steady path, with the promoter picking Whyte as his choice for Joshua’s next opponent.
The pair last fought in December 2015, with Joshua triumphing via technical knockout on that occasion.
“Yes (Dillian Whyte),’ Hearn told IFLTV when asked if the 35-year-old Whyte could face Joshua this summer.
“I think that it is the fight. I want him to fight in the summer and I think it would be in his best interest for his progression under Derrick James before a fight like that (Deontay Wilder or Fury).
“I would expect all the other fighters (in the tournament) to fight in the summer and I don’t think he should be the one that doesn’t, but we’ll see what happens next week.”
The two-time world champion shocked fans last week when he announced on social media that he would not be getting back between the ropes until the end of the year.
“My next fight is scheduled for December. Not ideal but everything is part of a bigger picture,” he posted on Instagram.
He has claimed that a potential fight with Wilder is ‘95 percent done’ on his side and could take place in December if the deal goes through.
Talks are ongoing over a proposed ‘tournament’ in Saudi Arabia which could also involve Fury and Oleksandr Usyk fight on the same card.
Yet Whyte is not convinced by Joshua’s statement and thinks his next fight will be much sooner.
“That’s lie, it’s a lie. Joshua isn’t going to wait until December to fight. If he’s not injured then why would he wait until December to fight?” Whyte said on iFL TV.
“Joshua is trying to create some mystery, he thinks he’s some kind of mystery man these days. No one believes it. Why would he not fight until December if he can potentially have three fights this year?
“He’s just trying to create some sort of mystery, he’s a strange guy and he’s doing some strange stuff. He’s definitely going to fight before December, 100 percent.”
Credit: punchng.com
