Eddie Hearn reveals Anthony Joshua could face Dillian Whyte in a rematch in August

Eddie Hearn says Anthony Joshua could face Dillian Whyte in a rematch in August before taking on Deontay Wilder in December in Saudi Arabia. 

Joshua beat Jermaine Franklin in April 2023 at the O2 Arena via unanimous decision, his first victory in the ring since December 2020.

Speculation has followed Joshua and his team since regarding his next opponent, with the heavyweight himself stating wanted a bout with Wilder.

However, Hearn has said Joshua would benefit from another fight under his trainer Derrick James before taking on The Bronze Bomber. 

The Matchroom promoter believes the appetite is there for a rematch with Whyte and insists AJ would ‘get up for’ a bout against his British rival. 

Eddie Hearn says Anthony Joshua could face Dillian Whyte in a rematch in August 

Joshua beat Jermaine Franklin in April 2023 at the O2 Arena via unanimous decision

AJ is looking to get back in the ring but Hearn thinks he needs another fight under trainer Derrick James (left) before facing Deontay Wilder in December

Hearn has said that negotiations are underway for a Saudi Arabian bout with Wilder (right)

Hearn has also confirmed that negotiations are underway for a December bout in Saudi Arabia – claiming ‘they know the numbers we want’ for a heavyweight clash between AJ and Wilder. 

Speaking to Samina For Sale about a deal with the Saudis over a fight with Wilder, Hearn said: ‘They know what kind of numbers we want based on the Ruiz and Usyk fight in Saudi Arabia.

‘If they [the Saudis] can’t get Fury-Usyk over the line, they will still do AJ vs. Wilder. You hit the numbers that we want, and then we work backward on that for the August fight that he [Joshua] will be having. 

‘We all believe he needs that fight in August and more time with [trainer] Derrick James, more preparation for Deontay Wilder, and then that’s it. Who we choose will be dependent on if we get that Wilder deal done.

‘I like the Dillian Whyte fight [for Joshua]. Whether he gets the Wilder fight done or not, I like that fight. I think it’s a fight that AJ will get up for. I think it’s a fight that he can have some spite for, and it’s a fight that is dangerous. 

‘There will be a lot on the line because if you sign a massive deal to fight Deontay Wilder in December and you’re fighting Dillian Whyte in August, it’s risky business.

‘I don’t feel like a fight against someone that he’s [Joshua] not fired up for or not motivated for or someone who is going to roll over is going to prepare him for that Wilder fight. That’s where we’re at, but we’re trying to work backward after getting the Wilder fight over the line first.’

Joshua could face Whyte – would recently beat Jermaine Franklin – in the interim period but fans have questioned the logic behind the decision 

Nevertheless, Hearn believes the appetite is there for a rematch with Whyte and insists AJ would ‘get up for’ a bout against his British rival

Joshua and Whyte last fought in December 2015, with AJ emerging victorious via technical knockout in the seventh round (above)

Joshua and Whyte last fought in December 2015, with AJ emerging victorious via technical knockout in the seventh round.

Many boxing fans believe Whyte is on the decline as he has been knocked out in two out of his last four fights by Alexander Povetkin and Tyson Fury. 

Additionally, some feel Whyte actually lost his bout to Franklin – with the American claiming he was ‘robbed’ by the British judges. 

Therefore, it may be more beneficial for Joshua to take on the likes of Otto Wallin, Filip Hrgovic, Andy Ruiz Jr, Zhilei Zhang or Luis Ortiz before facing Wilder in December.