Anthony Joshua's upcoming bout with Tyson Fury is a highly anticipated event in the boxing world, but it seems the former champion might need a warm-up fight first. Promoter Eddie Hearn revealed that Joshua could take on a tune-up opponent in July before facing Fury in November, adding an intriguing layer to the already-hyped match-up.
Hearn's statement comes as a response to the recent car accident involving Joshua, which resulted in the tragic deaths of his friends. This incident has undoubtedly impacted Joshua's mindset and preparation for the fight. Hearn emphasized the importance of ensuring Joshua is physically and mentally ready for the challenge, suggesting a warm-up bout as a strategic move.
The potential warm-up opponent has sparked speculation, with Deontay Wilder being a prominent name in the mix. Hearn acknowledged the possibility, stating that they are exploring the option of Joshua facing Wilder followed by Fury in a 'back-to-back' format. This strategy could be seen as a calculated risk, as it might provide Joshua with valuable experience and a boost in confidence before the main event.
However, Hearn also noted that some might perceive this approach as risky, especially given the high stakes of the Fury fight. The promoter suggested that Joshua might prefer a more straightforward path, avoiding a warm-up bout altogether. Nevertheless, Hearn confirmed that the plan is to have Joshua in the ring by July, with the Fury fight in November, a decision influenced by the recent events in Joshua's life.
This development adds an extra layer of intrigue to the highly anticipated Joshua-Fury showdown, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the outcome of these strategic negotiations and the potential warm-up bout that could shape the course of the main event.
