Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has dismissed rumours that Anthony Joshua’s next fight against Martin Bakole has already been finalised.
Joshua, a two-time world heavyweight champion who suffered a devastating fifth-round knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024 at Wembley Stadium, has been linked to a potential bout with Bakole. BOXXER promoter Ben Shalom recently claimed that the fight was a “done deal,” but Hearn has now refuted those claims.
Speaking to Matchroom Boxing’s YouTube channel, Hearn said: “The social media rumour mill is always probably 10 per cent true.
The latest one, someone sent it to me on Saturday—Bakole-Joshua is done and signed. We’ve not had one conversation about that fight. I’m not ruling it out, but it’s never been a conversation. I don’t know where that one came from.”
Hearn also addressed reports suggesting that a fight between Joshua and Deontay Wilder has been finalized for June 7, calling them untrue.
“I also saw one last night saying Joshua-Wilder is done for June 7. I haven’t had one conversation about that fight. I spoke to AJ yesterday for the first time in a few weeks, and he’s actually in really good spirits.”
Hearn acknowledged that Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh is interested in a Joshua vs. Wilder bout.
He also noted that Joshua will be closely watching the upcoming clash between Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker on February 22, which could have implications for his next move.
“I think he will be watching extremely closely on February 22 for Dubois against Parker, and then we will see what happens with Mr. Fury.”
As of now, Joshua’s next opponent remains uncertain, with no official fight announcement yet.
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