‘Until you hear it from AJ, don’t believe it’: Eddie Hearn states no decision has been made regarding Anthony Joshua’s future
Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn recently chatted with Fight Hub TV about Anthony Joshua’s survival of a car accident that claimed the lives of two of his close colleagues and friends, alongside subsequent rumors about Joshua possibly stepping back from boxing. Hearn affirmed that there have been no discussions about Joshua’s future plans, emphasizing that he needs time to regroup. “In today’s world, it seems everyone believes they are entitled to know how he’s feeling and what’s ahead,” Hearn remarked. “I receive calls daily from the media, like, ‘Can you provide an update on his career?’ Seriously? At this moment, he likely needs the strength of those around him; he should be allowed the space to heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Anything you hear regarding his career—until it comes from AJ himself, don’t put stock in it.” Hearn was then probed about the injuries Joshua incurred, who it was reported sustained only minor injuries from the collision. “Sadly, it was a horrific accident, a tragic injury, and he will require some time for physical recovery,” Hearn stated. “I believe more details will emerge when Anthony is ready to discuss it. Personally, I find it somewhat disrespectful to even— I understand it’s my role to occasionally speak on his behalf, but this is beyond boxing. This is life, and unfortunately, it touches on the very, very sad aspects of life. “For now, there will be no remarks about AJ’s career until we reach a point where a conversation can appropriately take place, and that time is nowhere near at hand.” He was then asked about the situation regarding a potential Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis vs Vergil Ortiz fight, which has not yet been officially confirmed. “We are kind of waiting in anticipation, I suppose,” Hearn expressed. “We keep hearing that things are moving forward but then we don’t seem to make much progress. We will need to take some action shortly. Boots is scheduled to fight at the end of March. Could that shift to April? Possibly. We aim to avoid that, but we have to make our own decisions. With all due respect to Vergil Ortiz, he doesn’t possess anything besides claims that he could be the best 154 in the world, and the same applies to Jaron. This is precisely why the match is so logical; it’s the best facing the best. However, it’s not as if he’s a champion, and we aren’t bound to operate according to his terms. “We’ve been as polite as possible, but inevitably, we need to make further moves. It would be quite disheartening for boxing if Vergil Ortiz declines that bout since everyone recognizes it as the top fight in American boxing at present. So, we remain hopeful.”
Published: 2026-01-08 23:17:00
source: www.badlefthook.com
