Barry Hearn insists ‘no one even comes close’ to Anthony Joshua in the heavyweight division and a unification fight with Deontay Wilder would be ‘the easiest’ bout for the British star.
The Matchroom chairman joined talkSPORT on Friday for a brilliantly passionate interview, saying the incredible global rise of boxing is because of WBA, WBO and IBO world champion Joshua.
Hearn also shared his latest thoughts on Tyson Fury and his surprise co-promotional deal with US broadcasters ESPN, and said the big three’s TV deals could now be the biggest stumbling block for the fights all boxing fans want to see.
Joshua is set to make his US debut June 1 in his next world title defence against American fighter Jarrell Miller – a fight that has not gone down well with fans, who are desperate to see the top heavyweights face each other in the ring.
Anthony Joshua and Jarrell Miller shared an explosive press conference this week
And Hearn has called for patience…
Speaking on Friday’s Sports Breakfast, the promoter chief said: “Boxing is in a fabulous place and one of the reasons why is because of Anthony Joshua.
“He has inspired the nation, he’s inspired other boxers. A bit like Tiger Woods in golf, everyone’s level has been brought and everyone has benefited from it.
“We may not get the fights between the really top names as quickly as we want, because this is a business and these guys have to look after themselves financially because boxing is very dangerous.
“But those fights will come around in time and hopefully sooner rather than later.”
On a potential world title showdown with WBC belt holder Wilder, or a meeting with British rival Fury, Hearn said: “I like easy money and the easiest fight for Anthony Joshua is Deontay Wilder. That’s a very straightforward fight.
Deontay Wilder would be the ‘perfect opponent’ for Anthony Joshua in October, says Hearn
“Deontay Wilder is not very good, technically. He’s very easy to hit and he’s very light, he’s only around 15 stone. But he can bang.
“Tyson Fury is a big draw, no question. Tyson is the most elusive fighter, he must be a nightmare to fight, but fortunately for his opponents he can’t punch.
“You’ve got to take your hat off to Tyson, he’s a great fighter who has done a wonderful job of turning his life around, but in reality he’s not a champion. He hasn’t got a belt, and that’s what he needs to complete that appeal to the general public.
“There isn’t a heavyweight out there who even comes close to Anthony Joshua in any department. Yes they have got these TV deals, but it doesn’t make any difference. At the end of the day, after 22 fights, Anthony Joshua is a global superstar and he has three of the four world title belts.
“We’d love to [get him in a ring with Tyson Fury], but I’d also like to see lots of other things – I’d like to see Leyton Orient win the Champions League! This is a multimillion pound business and it will come around when it’s ready.”
Hearn also admitted the future of any fights between the ‘big three’ may now be out of promoters’ hands, as broadcasters will likely hold more sway after news of Fury’s surprise ESPN move.
The ‘lineal’ heavyweight champion announced a co-promotional deal with Wilder’s US promotional rivals Top Rank/ESPN on Monday.
Fury’s deal seemingly threw a second Wilder bout into serious jeopardy, but the fighter has since insisted he still wants a rematch to happen and Top Rank’s Bob Arum has confirmed a new offer has been made to the American’s camp.
Fury and Wilder produced a heavyweight classic, although the American has always wanted AJ
“At the moment the biggest problem you’ve got is Tyson Fury is with ESPN, Anthony Joshua is with DAZN and Deontay Wilder is with Showtime,” added Hearn.
“It’s more a question of the television networks saying, ‘no, this is out man’, because it’ll tell you now and this is gospel truth: Anthony Joshua will fight anyone of them whenever you like.
“I think ESPN will make a big play now to get Wilder away from Showtime and we will certainly make a go to get hold of Wilder as well because we love the fight.
“If we get through Jarrell Miller on June 1, Wilder will be the perfect opponent in October for AJ.
“The biggest problem Fury has is if he doesn’t fight AJ and he doesn’t fight Wilder, who else is left? No one!”
Listen back to Barry Hearn on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast IN FULL above
This story was originally published by talkSPORT
via USAHint.com
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