Promoter Eddie Hearn has suggested that heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua hold off on making any immediate fight plans until after the much-anticipated rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk on December 21st. Hearn’s advice underscores a broader strategy in boxing where timing can dictate not only the financial stakes of a fight but also the relevance and legacy of the athletes involved. Joshua’s potential bout with Fury is viewed as a “money fight,” overshadowing a possible rematch with IBF champion Daniel Dubois. Hearn’s insights reflect the delicate dynamics of heavyweight boxing and the immense public interest that a Joshua-Fury clash would generate.
Fans of the sport are undoubtedly eager to see Joshua redeem himself following his recent fifth-round loss to Dubois. However, jumping into another fight too soon could backfire dramatically. Joshua faces the peril of sustaining another loss, which could jeopardize his marketability ahead of a potential blockbuster match with Fury. Additionally, there’s the looming uncertainty about Fury’s own fate in the ring; should he falter against Usyk, that could also detract from the allure of a Joshua vs. Fury showdown. It’s a calculated risk that raises questions about whether this anticipated fight should take precedence over immediate competition.
Currently, the heavyweight boxing landscape is evolving as younger fighters rise and veterans like Joshua and Fury face their defining challenges. Joshua, with a record of 34 wins and 4 losses, and Fury, standing at 34-1-1, command significant attention. However, both fighters have shown vulnerability in recent outings—Fury floundered against Usyk last May, while Joshua’s loss to Dubois has cast a shadow over his future. Hearn’s emphasis on patience might serve as a safeguard, allowing both fighters to regroup and reassess their strategies rather than risk further damage in the interim.
Should Fury emerge victorious against Usyk, he would enter a potential clash with Joshua as a three-belt champion. Such a scenario could set the stage for a fight that holds unprecedented implications, not just for the fighters’ legacies but for the sport itself, leading possibly to a match against Daniel Dubois for the undisputed championship later in 2025. The anticipated Fury vs. Joshua battle could captivate audiences worldwide, drawing significant pay-per-view numbers. However, if circumstances force Fury to approach the fight with a recent loss, the narrative could shift, complicating the event’s build-up in ways promoters will need to navigate carefully.
As the heavyweight boxing scene continues to shift, patience appears critical. Eddie Hearn’s directive to Anthony Joshua to wait for the outcome of the Usyk-Fury rematch encapsulates a broader understanding of the sport’s complexities. The dance of timing, risk, and media intrigue will ultimately shape the future matchups that fans yearn to see. For both Joshua and Fury, choosing to strategize rather than rush into fights could preserve their legacies and ensure that when they do meet, it’s for something monumental.