Eddie Hearn reckons we could see Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua next year (Image: Getty Images)
Eddie Hearn believes Anthony Joshua will be back at the top of the heavyweight pile in 2024 – as he eyes up Tyson Fury.
The British heavyweight star capped a fine year with his third win in nine months as he stopped Swedish southpaw Otto Wallin in five rounds on Saturday. Joshua, 34, may have lost the Deontay Wilder fight after the American was stunned by Joseph Parker.
But the former WBA, IBF and WBO champion continues on his own comeback trail after also beating Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius this year.
Joshua’s promoter Hearn believes there are big nights ahead for his man after his impressive win over Wallin. The Matchroom chief said: “I think that was a statement to say he’s the man to watch in 2024.”
Hearn threw out Fury’s name but the Gypsy King is set to face Oleksandr Usyk in an undisputed showdown on February 17. That’s a two-fight deal which could tie up Fury for most of the next year.
“I would love to see him fight Tyson Fury,” said Hearn. “If Tyson Fury does beat Oleksandr Usyk then I would love to see him fight Fury. I hope Fury wins that fight.”Joshua’s win over Wallin puts him at No 2 in the IBF rankings with Filip Hrgovic due a shot at the belt. That could mean the winner of Fury against Usyk is stripped of the belt once they have their February 17 date which could open the door to Joshua taking on Hrgovic for the vacant belt.
Hearn added: “He wants to become a three-time world heavyweight champion so that is an option but there is a lot to play out with the IBF. It’s not just a case of on February 17 that the belt will become vacant because it won’t.”