Promoter Eddie Hearn has sparked fresh discussion in boxing after describing Deontay Wilder as a “warm-up” opponent for Anthony Joshua. The comments followed Wilder’s split-decision win over Derek Chisora on April 4 at London’s The O2 Arena.
Hearn outlined a possible plan for Joshua’s return as the British heavyweight continues his recovery from a serious car accident in Nigeria. The crash, which happened late last year, caused rib injuries and kept him out of action for several months.
With Joshua now back in training, his team is working toward a structured return. Hearn’s remarks offer insight into how that path could unfold, focusing on one fight at a time before a larger bout later in the year.
Eddie Hearn Outlines Anthony Joshua’s Return Plan
Eddie Hearn made it clear that Joshua will not go straight into a fight with Tyson Fury. Instead, he said the former champion needs a fight to rebuild fitness and rhythm. He stated, “We need a warm-up fight before we fight Tyson Fury because AJ’s coming off the accident, he’s rehabilitating his body, etc. We’ll take Deontay Wilder as that warm-up fighter, and then we’ll fight Tyson Fury in December.”
The promoter also shared his view from ringside during Wilder’s latest fight. He said, “He just sent your soul into retirement. I was there sitting front row. By the way I respect Wilder and I think he looked much better. But let me tell you because I was six feet away… Anthony Joshua will walk through Deontay Wilder within three rounds.”
Joshua, 36, has resumed training in early 2026. His team has focused on recovery and conditioning following the accident. The aim is to ensure he is fully prepared before entering a high-level contest. The proposed timeline points to a return fight first, followed by a potential clash with Fury in December if all goes as planned.
Deontay Wilder Wins, Fan Reaction, and Division Stakes
Wilder, 40, returned to winning form with a split-decision victory over Chisora. The bout marked an important moment after a stretch of losses and inactivity. Chisora, 42, announced his retirement following the fight.
Wilder remains known for his punching power, which continues to shape how opponents approach him. His recent performance showed signs of improvement, though it also reflected the physical demands of a long career in the heavyweight division.
Hearn’s comments have drawn strong reactions from fans and observers. Some questioned the idea of calling Wilder a tune-up opponent, pointing to his knockout ability. Others referred to Joshua’s past fights and raised concerns about the risks involved, especially after his recent injuries.
A fight between Joshua and Wilder has been discussed for several years. Talks between both camps did not lead to an agreement between 2018 and 2022. The latest comments suggest renewed interest, though no official deal has been announced.
If the fight takes place, it would play a key role in shaping the division. A win for Joshua could set up a major bout with Fury, one of the most anticipated matchups in boxing. For Wilder, the fight would present a chance to reassert his position among the top heavyweights.
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