Eddie Hearn: Anthony Joshua determined to become heavyweight Champion again

Eddie Hearn has confirmed that Anthony Joshua’s primary focus is reclaiming the heavyweight championship—regardless of who holds the title.

Joshua, who last fought in September 2024 when he suffered a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois, is determined to become a three-time world heavyweight champion. With Tyson Fury now retired, the long-anticipated all-British clash is no longer an option, shifting Anthony Joshua’s attention to the upcoming Dubois vs. Parker fight.

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“Right now, because Tyson Fury is retired, the number one choice for AJ is to fight for the world heavyweight title,” Hearn told BetFred.

“That’s 99 per cent of what he wants to do. If that’s Daniel Dubois, no problem. If that’s Joseph Parker, no problem. If AJ decides that’s what he’s doing, then it’s done. Some people say he shouldn’t have fought Oleksandr Usyk. What are you talking about? It’s your job—he was the mandatory challenger. What do you want him to do? Give up his belt and get criticized for ducking Usyk?”

Joshua previously defeated Parker in 2018 and will closely watch the Dubois vs. Parker fight, as the winner could be his next opponent.

Despite recent criticism, Hearn has dismissed any talk of Joshua retiring.

“Not yet, but that time will come,” Hearn said. “Those conversations happen behind the scenes when a fighter is struggling in camp. If you no longer have it, it will become clear.

“Injuries will pile up, you’ll get hurt in sparring, and you won’t be as sharp. When that moment comes, the team will recognise it, and that’s when I’ll have that conversation with him.”