Eddie Hearn makes bold Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder prediction after AJ secures first KO win in nearly three years
EDDIE HEARN is adamant Anthony Joshua can "comfortably" outbox Deontay Wilder in their long overdue grudge match.
The former two-time unified heavyweight champion sealed a 2024 showdown with the Bronze Bomber with an explosive knockout victory over Robert Helenius last Saturday.
AJ picked up his second win on the bounce since consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk with a brutal seventh-round KO of The Nordic Nightmare - a short-notice replacement for Dillian Whyte.
Hearn was delighted to see the Watford warrior pick up his first stoppage win in nearly three years and firmly believes the golden boy of British boxing can do a number on the former WBC king now that he's got his mojo back.
The Matchroom Boxing chief said: “I think that he can beat Deontay Wilder comfortably, but he could also get beat by Deontay Wilder.
“I don’t think necessarily, I mean, the good thing is he got – what was it – seven rounds in against a tall opponent who can punch a bit with the backhand?
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"I think it’s difficult to replicate certainly the power of Deontay Wilder.
"But I’ve always felt that AJ can outbox Deontay Wilder."
Joshua, 33, showcased improved footwork against Helenius but his hesitancy to trade in the pocket was evident.
Hearn believes AJ has somewhat lost the killer instinct he had early in his career but reckons his more methodical approach will serve him well in his Saudi showdown with Wilder.
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He said: "I prefer him to box tentatively than his old style against Deontay Wilder.
"I know he can beat him with that style as well, but I would like to see him box Deontay Wilder, try and break him down.
"If he lands the right hand on Wilder like that, the fight’s over.
"And vice versa, if Wilder lands a right hand.
"That’s why it’s one of the best fights in boxing.”
Joshua and Wilder were on a collision course in 2018 when they held all the heavyweight hardware.
But their eagerly-anticipated grudge match, which Joshua welcomed after putting Helenis, never came to fruition.
AJ said of fighting Wilder his post-fight interview: "Roll on. There's no worry to me when it is.
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"I'm just happy we can get the fight going and I think people appreciate that.
"I'm doing my best to keep heavyweight boxing on the map."
