Hearn Optimistic Of Joshua’s Return By December 23

Eddie Hearn has floated the idea that Anthony Joshua could fight on the same night as Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Uysk’s four-belt unification clash.

The two heavyweights signed contracts to set up the undisputed championship fight last week, and the fight will take place in Saudi Arabia.

The hotly anticipated clash will come hot on the heels of Fury’s fight with former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in October, with reports hinting that the date could be either December 23, or January 2024.

Boxing fans could find themselves treated between another high-profile bout on the night, with the rescheduled meeting of Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr also tipped to be on that same night.

Eubank and Benn were due to meet in 2022 before Benn failed two drugs tests ahead of the meeting.

The 26-year-old was cleared by UKAD over the two positive VADA tests this July.

But as per the Sun, Hearn suggested that the night could also feature a fight for Joshua, as negotiations over when AJ will face American rival Deontay Wilder continue.

“It could go on December 23, maybe even as well.

“December 2 is a fantastic card that we’re announcing on Saturday night for Britain and 23rd is our date for Benn-Eubank.

“And I truly believe that fight will get made for that date.’

Facing a clash between Benn-Eubank and Fury-Uysk, Hearn demurred as to what could happen if the latter also opted for the late-December night.

Look if we get the Eubank fight made, we will go December 23rd. Because we will have to announce that in the next two weeks.

“I don’t know whether they’re going to go December 23rd, maybe there’s some conversations with them before we announce our fight.

“But that’s our date and whilst the other fight is not announced there’s a good chance we’ll go straight up and announce.

“But we’ll have to see. Obviously, we don’t want to go on the same night, it doesn’t make sense for either fight. But we’ll see.”

On the subject of Joshua facing off with Wilder, which Hearn previously talked up as an opportunity for the British fighter to ‘knock out’ the Bronze Bomber, the promoter suggested the venue could either be ‘Vegas or Wembley’.

“I think both guys actually genuinely want the fight and when you get fights like Fury-Usyk made it does give everybody a little nudge to say, ‘Let’s make ours now,’’

Credit: punchng.com