It appears to be a match made in boxing heaven – more than a decade after linking up, Anthony Joshua and Eddie Hearn are still the fight game’s dream team.
The devastating heavyweight knockout artist and the brash promoter have taken the sport to new levels in the UK after teaming up when Joshua turned professional following his gold medal victory at London’s 2012 Olympics.
Since then Joshua has fought 31 times, winning 28 and becoming heavyweight champion of the world twice. There have been some lows – notably the back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022, and the stunning upset at the hands of Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019.
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But the highs have been ridiculous, including those world title wins plus epic moments like the thrilling win over Wladimir Klitschko in front of more than 90,000 fans at Wembley Stadium. It’s been a very successful pairing financially too – breaking UK PPV records on a regular basis with Sky Sports, and now both signing massive contracts with streaming platform DAZN.
Joshua x Hearn = success
Joshua will be a Matchroom Boxing fighter for life – Hearn sees their relationship very much as a partnership as well as AJ being his client. It’s a deep bond built on more than a decade of trust.
On Saturday night, back at Wembley, Joshua will bid to become a three-time world heavyweight champion in front of a record boxing crowd of more than 96,000 fans at the iconic venue. Ahead of his showdown with Daniel Dubois, he spoke about the relationship with his promoter.
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“Yeah it’s been massive. It’s been massive for my development in and out of the ring. In the ring it’s been sensational, even throughout the times that haven’t been so good – but what a story it is. The man knows boxing as well. To speak to him outside of actual competing and business, talking about boxing in general – it’s helped me develop.
“I met Eddie when I was probably, what, 20? 21? I’m now 34, going to be 35 next month, so it’s been a long journey and a fruitful one as well for both of us.”
Dubois no pushover
Joshua is a hot favourite to become IBF heavyweight champion on Saturday night, but he is not taking Dubois (21-2) lightly. His fellow Brit is a renewed force after impressive stoppage victories over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic in his last two fights, and Joshua has prepared accordingly.
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When asked what Dubois he will meet on Saturday, he responded: “50% better than what I’ve seen, but I’m well-prepared physically and mentally. I think the fans will be in for an entertaining night for sure. There’s only one way and I know exactly what I’m going to do. I’m not leaving it up to ‘any way’, I know exactly what I’m going to do and I know exactly what I’ve got to do and I’ll do it.”
