Barry Hearn insists Anthony Joshua would beat ‘terrible’ Deontay Wilder and ‘champion of nothing’ Tyson Fury
The Matchroom supremo believes his man is the best heavyweight on the planet and nobody is in his class
Barry Hearn is adamant the world’s premier heavyweight belongs to the Matchroom Boxing stable in the shape of Anthony Joshua.
The legendary sports promoter is no longer actively involved in the boxing side of his business and instead leaves Eddie, his son, to run it.
However, this has not stopped him from weighing in on the current situation in the glamour division, as once again AJ appears to have missed out on an undisputed title bout with Deontay Wilder.
“Well Deontay Wilder’s not very good,” Barry Hearn told , “This is the technical part of it.
“Deontay Wilder can punch, but he can’t fight, let’s be honest. Deontay Wilder’s the easiest fight out there of anybody for Anthony Joshua.
“And he probably knows that as well which is why he’s being difficult, but that’s okay.
“I think it’s very good to be realistic and to understand yourself.”
Joshua will likely instead face Jarrell Miller in a US debut fight next, while Wilder is lining up a rematch with Tyson Fury after their disputed draw in December.
Barry Hearn is confident Fury will do a more comprehensive job on Wilder at the second time of asking, though isn’t worried that either man could trouble AJ.
“Tyson Fury will box Wilder’s ears off next time round," he continued, “He’s still got a puncher’s chance, but that’s all ‘cause he can’t fight.
“He has no technical ability whatsoever basically, I mean he’s terrible, but he can punch and punchers can equalise fights.
“I think Tyson Fury is not the finished deal because he can’t punch but he’s awkward as hell and he’s clever.
“Both of them technically don’t give me a problem at all about Anthony Joshua. Technically neither of them are in Anthony Joshua’s class.”
When asked if the winner of a potential Wilder vs Fury rematch would warrant a 50/50 purse split against Joshua, Hearn replied: “Probably, realistically.
“But of course it won’t happen if Tyson Fury wins because there will be a rematch clause for Deontay Wilder.
“Deontay Wilder is the WBC champion, Tyson Fury is the champion of nothing.
“Great fighter, just got a one draw blemish on his record, but he’s got no belts.
“He’s done an amazing job to turn his life around and I’m a big fan of how he’s done it.
“But I cannot believe that Deontay Wilder’s team would not insist on a rematch clause. I believe Tyson Fury will beat Deontay Wilder and the fight after that will be the trilogy.”
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You can watch the full IFLTV interview with Barry Hearn below.