In an interesting turn of events, promoter Eddie Hearn recently disclosed that Anthony Joshua will be present at the upcoming 5 vs 5 event in Riyadh this Saturday night. Joshua, a former two-time heavyweight champion, will be attending the event to witness the highly anticipated heavyweight contest between Filip Hrgovic and Daniel Dubois, which will be broadcast live on DAZN PPV.
Hearn hinted at the possibility of Joshua facing the winner of the Hrgovic-Dubois fight in September, with the vacant IBF title potentially on the line. However, he also mentioned that Deontay Wilder could be a contender if he emerges victorious in his clash against Zhilei Zhang. The decision may ultimately hinge on whether the IBF belt is stripped from Oleksandr Usyk and made available for a potential fight between Joshua and the winner of the Hrgovic-Dubois bout.
Joshua’s presence at the event serves as a scouting mission, allowing him to assess the skills and strategies of both Hrgovic and Dubois in case he finds himself pitted against the victor in the future. According to Hearn, Joshua’s attendance at the event is a personal choice, driven by his interest in the concept and his familiarity with many of the fighters on the card.
The frontrunner for Joshua’s next opponent appears to be the winner of the Hrgovic-Dubois showdown, with a likely shot at the IBF heavyweight world title. However, if the IBF title is not up for grabs, Joshua may opt out of facing the winner due to the perceived risk involved. Both Hrgovic and Dubois are considered as tough and hard-hitting fighters, posing a potential threat to Joshua’s reign.
Hearn also raised the prospect of a rematch between Joshua and Wilder, particularly if Wilder puts on a stellar performance in his upcoming bout. The announcement of a Usyk-Fury rematch was highlighted as a positive development, further shaping the landscape of potential future fights in the heavyweight division.
With the likelihood of Joshua fighting in September, Hearn emphasized the importance of timing and preparation in scheduling the next bout. He expressed relief that the fight was planned for December, providing ample time for both fighters to prepare adequately. Plans for a press conference in June indicated that preparations for Joshua’s next fight were already in motion, with discussions underway to finalize the details of the event.
Joshua’s presence at the Hrgovic vs Dubois fight signifies a strategic move on his part to assess potential future opponents and stay informed about the developments in the heavyweight division. As the boxing world eagerly anticipates his next move, Joshua’s scouting mission in Riyadh this weekend is sure to provide valuable insights and shape the course of his future fights.