Hearn presents replace on Joshua vs Wilder talks after Helenius knockout
A conflict between the high-profile duo has been mooted for a number of years, courting again to after they had been each reigning world champions in search of undisputed standing, although now seems set to lastly develop into a actuality after negotiations stepped up in latest weeks and months.
The monumental showdown is about to happen in Saudi Arabia in January, with Skill Challenge Entertainment proprietor Prince Khalid bin Abdulaziz current at ringside at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday night time as Joshua warmed up for Wilder with a brutal one-punch knockout of Robert Helenius, a late alternative for Dillian Whyte after Whyte returned “adverse analytical findings” in a random anti-doping take a look at, resulting in the cancellation of their second grudge match.
It was removed from a classic efficiency once more from Joshua earlier than his seventh-round explosion, with the group even jeering and whistling at one stage as he regarded probably to supply a repeat of his low-key factors win over Jermaine Franklin from April.
However, Hearn was impressed by the “mature” model of Joshua seen beneath new coach Derrick James as he supplied an additional replace on talks to face Wilder, who returned from his back-to-back defeats by Tyson Fury of their historic trilogy with a ruthless first-round knockout of Helenius in New York final October.
“We’ve got a three-fight plan,” the Matchroom Boxing chief advised DAZN. “Whether you like it or not, it was Robert Helenius, supposed to be Dillian Whyte, Deontay Wilder and then Tyson Fury.
“That’s the ambition of the team. Whether you back Josh, whether you think he can do it or he can’t, things have changed. He’s now a mature heavyweight. I know everyone wants to see first, second, third-round KOs, but against Helenius he took his time and delivered one of the knockouts of the year.
“We believe he can go and beat Deontay Wilder. Prince Khalid and Skills Challenge are here tonight, we look to try and close that deal over the next couple of days. Josh is ready for that fight.
“He’s given everything to this sport, he’s given everything to British boxing. He’s ready now for some big marquee fights. He’s smarter now, he’s going to take his time. No chances, no more losing.
“Tonight you saw that, a guy who took his time, tried to find the range with the right hand and delivered it in devastating fashion.”
When quizzed concerning the battle with Wilder within the ring straight after knocking out Helenius, a playful Joshua – who mentioned he was focusing on two extra fights in 2023 – feigned a again harm and requested for a physician, earlier than quipping: “Because on my back I’m going to carry this heavyweight division to the top.”