Eddie Hearn seems to confirm next Anthony Joshua fight after boxing star beats Otto Wallin

Eddie Hearn seems to confirm next Anthony Joshua fight after boxing star beats Otto Wallin

WATCH NOW: Joshua and Wallin face off before bout

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 24/12/2023

- 08:46

The Briton was delighted after reigning supreme in Riyadh

Eddie Hearn has seemingly confirmed Anthony Joshua's next fight after the Briton beat Otto Wallin on Saturday night.

The 34-year-old went into the clash hoping for a third win of the year, having previously beaten Robert Helenius and Jermaine Franklin Jr.


And Joshua was too strong for Wallin, winning in just five rounds with the eyes of the world watching.

Prior to that clash, Joshua had agreed a lucrative showdown with Deontay Wilder.

Eddie Hearn boxing

Eddie Hearn has opened up after Anthony Joshua beat Otto Wallin on Saturday night

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However, with Wilder falling to defeat against Joseph Parker, it's unclear if fans will ever get their dream of the two men facing each other.

And Hearn has now revealed AJ is likely to face Filip Hrgovic next for the world title.

Speaking to TNT Sports, the promoter said: "I believe this Anthony Joshua is the best heavyweight in the world.

"That was a punch-perfect performance tonight. A stunning performance.

"One that says he is back. With this mindset in this team, I think he is unbeatable. 2024 will be massive for him.

"It was a tough decision between the championship and Wilder.

"We signed for Wilder, he lost tonight, that's OK, it happens in boxing.

"Maybe it is a blessing because this guy is about championships. He wants to become a three-time heavyweight world champion.

"It will be Filip Hrgovic against AJ for the world title.

"I am so happy to see him smiling and performing so well. He is a dangerous man when he is in that kind of mood.

"2024 is going to be very interesting, every heavyweight should be on notice - he is back."

Joshua also spoke after the win and admitted he was hoping to become a three-time champion.

"That would be great. Every fight leads to a final destination," he said when asked about that particular goal.

"[I will] keep on praying and working hard. I've got to stay focused because I'm on a journey and it's hard."

When asked about winning three fights this year, he continued: "We've got bigger ambitions than that.

"As I said to Louis Theroux, we don't celebrate when we win these fights, we celebrate when we win titles."

While it was a night to remember for Joshua, Wilder is now facing an uncertain future in the sport.

Having previously lost twice to Tyson Fury, his failure to beat Parker has raised questions over whether he can still compete at the highest level.

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Filip Hrgovic

Eddie Hearn has claimed Anthony Joshua is now expected to face Filip Hrgovic after Otto Wallin win

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And the American lamented his flat performance in the Middle East, while also hinting he could now quit boxing for good.

"I did [think he did enough to win], but my timing was off a little bit," he said.

"Joseph did a great job in avoiding my punches.

"We make no excuses tonight, it was a good fight and we move on to the next thing."

And though he vowed to bounce back, Wilder did seem to suggest retirement was a possibility.

Anthony Joshua Otto Wallin

Anthony Joshua was too strong for Otto Wallin on Saturday night

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"I'm a warrior, I'll be back soon," he announced.

"But if not, it's been an enjoyment, a pleasure and I appreciate everyone for their love and support that they've been giving me over the years.

"I've found a lot of peace in my life, happiness and I've been wearing this smile all week long, and I'm going to keep wearing it, win, lose or draw.

"That's what it's all about, being a warrior coming in and giving it all you've got, and if you come up short, you just get back up and you keep trying, that's what life is all about.

"You can't quit, you can't give up, you must keep going for we all have greatness in us."

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