Eddie Hearn Teases Major Anthony Joshua Announcement
Promoter Eddie Hearn has sparked speculation by hinting at significant news concerning heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua. This development follows Hearn's revelation that Joshua recently turned down an offer from a competing promoter, demonstrating loyalty amidst industry shifts.
Joshua's Loyalty Amidst Promotional Turmoil
The situation unfolded after welterweight Conor Benn's surprising departure from Hearn's Matchroom Boxing to join Zuffa Boxing, a new promotion led by UFC president Dana White. In the wake of this defection, Joshua allegedly received a similar approach from a rival promoter.
"He won't mind me saying it, but AJ had an approach around the back, a couple of weeks ago," Hearn disclosed during an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show. "Do you know how quickly he sent me the message, the screenshot? Seconds. 'Let me know what you wanna reply.'"
Hearn emphasized the strong partnership between himself and Joshua, stating: "We're a team. 'Til the wheels come off, we are a team, and I've got your back always. And that's just how it is."
Joshua's Recent Challenges and Future Prospects
Anthony Joshua last fought in December 2025, securing a sixth-round stoppage victory against influencer Jake Paul. Following this win, attention turned to a potential bout with Tyson Fury in 2026. However, just ten days after defeating Paul, Joshua was involved in a serious car crash in Nigeria that tragically claimed the lives of two of his teammates.
The former two-time world heavyweight champion sustained injuries in the accident, casting uncertainty over his fighting future. Despite this setback, Joshua returned to training relatively quickly, with Hearn previously hinting at a possible summer bout.
Hearn further fueled speculation about Joshua's next move by posting a nostalgic Instagram photo on Wednesday showing himself accompanying Joshua during a past ring walk. The promoter captioned the image simply with the word "loading," suggesting an imminent announcement.
Heavyweight Division Developments
The heavyweight landscape continues to evolve with several significant matchups on the horizon. Unified champion Oleksandr Usyk is scheduled to face kickboxing icon Rico Verhoeven in a stunning bout at the pyramids of Giza in May, with Usyk's WBC title at stake.
Meanwhile, Tyson Fury is emerging from his fifth retirement to box Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11. Fury has long been linked to a potential showdown with compatriot Joshua, though he has also expressed interest in a trilogy bout with Usyk, who handed Fury his only professional losses with two decision victories in 2024.
Usyk recently confirmed his openness to a third fight with Fury, adding another layer of complexity to the division's future matchups.
Other Division Contenders and Hearn's Expanding Roster
The identity of Joshua's next opponent remains unclear, though Agit Kabayel currently stands as the mandatory challenger for Usyk's WBC title after the Ukrainian's bout with Verhoeven. In May, Fabio Wardley will defend the WBO belt against Daniel Dubois in another significant heavyweight contest.
Adding an intriguing wrinkle to the promotional landscape, Hearn recently signed UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall to the new Matchroom Talent Agency. This move has drawn attention given Hearn's ongoing rivalry with UFC president Dana White, who has been verbally attacking Hearn while expanding into boxing promotion through Zuffa Boxing.
Benn's departure to Zuffa Boxing marked a significant shift, particularly as Matchroom had supported the welterweight throughout a two-year saga during which he couldn't box in Britain after failing two drug tests in 2022.
As the heavyweight division continues to develop with multiple potential matchups and promotional realignments, all eyes remain on Anthony Joshua's next move, with Eddie Hearn promising imminent news about the British boxing star's future plans.
