Anthony Joshua’s new opponent for 1 June is set to be announced on Tuesday, according to Barry Hearn.
Heavyweight Joshua was initially due to defend his IBF, WBA and WBO titles against Jarrell Miller in his American debut, with the bout set for Madison Square Garden in New York.
However, Miller was ruled out after a second failed drugs test, leaving promoter Eddie Hearn needing to find a replacement for the main event.
Speaking at a press conference to promote Dillian Whyte’s July fight with Oscar Rivas, Barry Hearn, Eddie’s father, declared they are “very close” to confirming the identity of Joshua’s next foe.
“I know he [Eddie Hearn] is very close,” Barry Hearn told Sky Sports.
“I understand there’s every chance he’s going to make an announcement tomorrow [Tuesday], so it’s getting there.
“It’s difficult, it’s very difficult, the political world of boxing and the money they’re talking about, but it’s also difficult when a few people view it as an opportunity to put one over on AJ, or us, or boxing.”
Barry Hearn also revealed that they had created a shortlist of candidates, with Joshua having the final say.
“We have five likely opponents, so it’s not a question we’re going to be blackmailed. We’re never going to be forced into doing anything stupid, because we just don’t work like that. Eddie is just playing the cards dead straight,” he added.
“AJ makes the final call, the final list is there and I believe the final decision will be known tomorrow.”
Luis Ortiz ruled himself out of contention via Instagram last week, revealing ”low-ball offers” from Matchroom Boxing had ended any chance of him stepping in to fill the void.
- Omni
Thanks be to jasus for that.
@Paddy: i had a double take at that headline that’s for sure .
The fact that this was even a possibility is quite scary. Whatever about the nonsense of the sanctioning body, has Benn not got family that might have interjected? Benn was one of my favourite fighters of the 90s when the 12 stone division in Ireland and the UK was at its best. This would have been beyond what would have been considered dangerous by anyone.
@Marcus Massey: Ever heard of Rocky
@Gabriel Holmes: Bernand Hopkins was fighting untill he was 51
@Gabriel Holmes: Yeah…but listen to how Rocky speaks. The brain is basically a microwaved cabbage. (addendum- I’ve never actually tried to microwave a cabbage.)
@Kingshu: He was and was a shadow of his former self. And, he didn’t have a 20+ year break. And he was constantly monitored while fighting.