Two-time heavyweight champion Joshua has already racked up an impressive set of wins, but often comes under criticism for failing on the biggest stages
Eddie Hearn has told Anthony Joshua he will have to beat Dillian Whyte, Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury to earn his spot in the boxing Hall of Fame.
The Matchroom Boxing boss has guided Joshua’s entire professional career after the Watford native won Olympic gold in 2012, and brought him to two runs as the unified heavyweight champion. But there is still debate over Joshua’s credentials as a truly elite heavyweight of his era, given his results on the major stage.
Unlike Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, who have never tasted defeat in the paid ranks, Joshua has lost three fights; twice to the Ukrainian and once a shock knockout against Andy Ruiz Jr. He immediately rectified the Ruiz loss, but was unsuccessful in his rematch with the former cruiserweight, leading many to doubt his claim to a top spot in the division.
In new footage showing Hearn and Joshua conversing backstage at Monday’s press conference for his fight with Dillian Whyte, the pair can be see discussing the topic. And the promoter tells his client “If you beat Dillian, Wilder and Fury, you’re in the Hall of Fame.”