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Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has launched a scathing defence of Anthony Joshua following recent comments from Tyson Fury, who labelled his fellow Briton and Daniel Dubois as “limited” fighters.
Fury, ahead of his highly anticipated rematch with Oleksandr Usyk, claimed that Joshua’s failure to beat the Ukrainian heavyweight proved he was not as skilled as he believed.
However, Hearn has hit back, criticising Fury’s arrogance after his shock defeat to Usyk earlier this year. The promoter insists that Joshua remains a serious threat in the heavyweight division, arguing that any fighter can win on their night.
Fury’s comments were made ahead of his title rematch with Usyk, in which he stressed his distinct boxing style would be the key to overcoming the Ukrainian. He pointed to Joshua’s inability to overpower Usyk and questioned why others, including Dubois, had failed to beat him, dismissing them as limited.
Despite his bravado, Fury’s credibility has been called into question since his loss to Usyk, with many now seeing him as more vulnerable. Hearn believes Fury’s recent defeat proves that boxing is an unpredictable sport, and Joshua, despite his own recent struggles, remains capable of overcoming the best.
“There’s always this talk about fighters being ‘limited,’” Hearn said.
“But we’ve seen what happens when the so-called best in the division get beaten. Fury himself has been knocked down and beaten by Usyk. So, to say Joshua can’t do it… it’s a bit rich.”
Hearn also insisted that on any given night, Joshua could defeat any opponent in the division, including Fury.
Joshua, who has recently been recovering from a fifth-round knockout loss to Dubois, is reportedly targeting a return to the ring in May or June, with a possible rematch against the latter still on the cards.
However, Hearn did not rule out the possibility of the long-discussed Fury fight, though it appears Fury’s focus is currently on Usyk.
“AJ is still looking for the big fights, and we’ll see where it goes. But there’s no rush for Joshua; we’ll get him back in the ring and go from there,” Hearn said.
With the heavyweight division in turmoil following recent results, it seems Joshua’s quest for a marquee fight is far from over, and as Fury continues to dismiss him, Hearn’s support remains unwavering.
