Eddie Hearn believes Anthony Joshua will finish his boxing career in a blaze of glory by knocking out Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury.
Joshua has picked up two straight wins in 2023 after suffering consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk as he looks to work his way back to taking on the heavyweight elite in the coming months.
This could mean match-ups with Wilder and Fury, and Hearn has given Joshua his full backing, opening himself up to potential ridicule from fans by claiming the two-time world champion will beat them both in spectacular fashion.
‘I am Anthony Joshua’s number one fan. In my head, call me deluded, he’s going to knock out Deontay Wilder, and then he’s going to knock out Tyson Fury,’ Hearn told talkSPORT.
‘He’s going to become the undisputed heavyweight world champion and then we are going to sail off into the sunset. Like I said, call me deluded, whatever you want, I don’t care what you call me!
Anthony Joshua is targeting fights with Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury as he eyes the end of his career
His promoter Eddie Hearn has tipped him to knock out Wilder and Fury before retiring
Joshua could finally face Wilder and Fury in 2024 to round off his boxing career
‘I see it. We have the vision for that. Let’s make it happen.’
Hearn’s prediction may raise a few eyebrows given Joshua’s most recent performances, with the Brit failing to impress for long periods in his wins over Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius this year.
But Joshua still has the support of his promoter, who has revealed he does not expect his fighter to be around in the sport for much longer.
Joshua had looked set to face Wilder at the end of this year, but Hearn has now hinted that his charge may take another tune-up fight in December, before targeting the American and Fury in 2024 in a bid to make Hearn’s prediction come true.
‘I never like to put a timescale on his career, but he did the other day when he said, “You know, I won’t be boxing in three [or] five years’ time.”
‘So, maybe we’ve got one in December and maybe we’ve got a couple of blockbusters next year. And then who knows? I don’t think he’s really got a timing on his career, but he wants to fight Wilder, and he wants to fight Fury.
‘I think if he doesn’t fight them, he won’t be very happy and fulfilled with everybody he fought. Once he fights those two, he’s boxed absolutely everyone in the division, all the players.’