Joshua not underdog against Wilder - Hearn

Anthony Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn has said that Deontay Wilder is not a favourite against his client, ahead of a potentially explosive clash between the former heavyweight champions.

Talks are reportedly underway for Joshua and Wilder to meet in December in Saudi Arabia, in what would be one of the biggest heavyweight fights in recent history.

In an interview with ESBR Boxing, Hearn issued a predictable response to those who make Wilder a favourite in the potential bout.

“He’s boxed everybody that he’s been asked to box, and now it’s a fight to “avoid” against Deontay Wilder. If you think ‘AJ’ is an underdog in that fight, in my opinion, you’re mad.

“But Wilder’s very dangerous. ‘AJ’ will box his ears off, but if he gets caught – like anyone else in the division – he could get stopped. But if he hits Wilder on the chin, he’s knocking him clean out.

“It’s just one of the greatest fights in boxing. Do you want to see the most exciting fights? Because they come with a bit of risk. So let’s roll the dice and see ‘AJ’ put it on the line in a massive fight,” Hearn said.

Joshua returned from eight months out of the ring earlier this month against Jermaine Franklin, winning a comfortable unanimous decision on the three judges’ scorecards.

There had been plans for the former unified world champion to box again in July, potentially against old foe Dillian Whyte. However, talk of a mega-money showdown with Wilder towards the end of the year seems to have put this on hold, although Hearn still wants him to fight in the summer.