Eddie Hearn gives Anthony Joshua v Deontay Wilder encouragement

Eddie Hearn has hinted that a long-proposed showdown between Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder could still come to fruition, but only on the proviso the American reignites his once flourishing heavyweight boxing career.

The pair were previously on a collision course for undisputed glory in boxing's blue-riband division, with Joshua in possession of the WBA, WBO and IBF straps and Wilder the long-term holder of the WBC belt.

Numerous discussions in fact took place to stage the colossal showdown, but they ultimately broke down, leaving fight fans, at the time, exasperated the state of the sport with opportunities to make mega fights being passed up.

Since then, both fighters have endured turbulent times, with Wilder being beaten in four of his last five outings and Joshua still plotting his next move on the back of his devastating stoppage defeat at the hands of Daniel Dubois last year.

Talks for an all-British showdown with Tyson Fury have gained momentum in recent weeks with the Gypsy King rumoured to be ready to reverse his retirement plans having linked back up with esteemed trainer SugarHill Steward.

However, regardless of whether that fight does get made, Hearn has confirmed that there remains a potential pathway to Joshua for Wilder, but says it's imperative the American rediscovers the groove that made him one of the most feared men on the planet prior to his recent demise.

"If Wilder keeps winning, maybe people can talk about that fight," the Matchroom promoter told FightHype.com.

It’s definitely not a fight that I rule out, but people don’t give Wilder much of a shot against AJ right now, but hopefully he can start looking good again.

- Eddie Hearn (FightHype.com)

"Again, we talk about fighters losing their way - Deontay is a great example. It’s funny how people can be so fearful of a fighter, and then all of a sudden have no fear whatsoever.

"I don’t think anybody now would fear fighting Deontay Wilder, whereas at a point, everyone thought: ‘Oh my God, this guy is the biggest puncher in the history of the sport.’

"Now, everyone wants to fight him, so we shall see."

Wilder's stock has fallen considerably since emphatically stopping Robert Helenius in New York back in October 2022.

The 39-year-old, who had previously only ever been beaten by Tyson Fury, has since been heavily beaten by both Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang, leaving Hearn in no doubt that his upcoming clash with Texan Tyrrell Herndon is simply a must win.

"This fight isn't going to tell us much, apart from [Wilder] gaining the confidence of a win," Hearn added.

"If he struggles against this guy he has to pack it in, but I expect him to win, and hopefully he can win well!"

Mark Mothershaw

• Anthony Joshua
• Matchroom
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