Eddie Hearn drops Joshua vs Fury major update and fires bold Wilder warning

Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images

Eddie Hearn drops Joshua vs Fury major update and fires bold Wilder warning

Originally posted on HITC | By Filipe Guedes | Last updated Apr 9, 2026 1:40 PM ET

Eddie Hearn has delivered a striking update on Anthony Joshua’s next steps, while also downplaying the level of one of the Briton’s potential rivals.

The Matchroom boss spoke to the media following the Jaron Ennis vs Xander Zayas press conference last Thursday. As Joshua’s long-time promoter, Hearn provided fresh insight into the Briton’s return.

With ‘AJ’ currently recovering and preparing for his next bout, the 46-year-old businessman made it clear that major fights are already being lined up.

Eddie Hearn says Anthony Joshua could fight Deontay Wilder before Tyson Fury as a ‘warm-up’ fight

Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images

Hearn revealed that Joshua could take a fight against Deontay Wilder as preparation for a blockbuster clash with Tyson Fury later this year.

“We need a warm up fight before we fight Tyson Fury, because ‘AJ’ is coming off an accident, he’s rehabilitating his body, et cetera. We’ll take Deontay Wilder as that warm-up fight. And then we’ll fight Tyson Fury in December,” the promoter said (via Fight Hub TV).

The comments come shortly after Wilder’s win over Derek Chisora, where Joshua was present and confronted by Wilder face-to-face moments after the fight. ‘The Bronze Bomber’ was also spotted saying ‘AJ’ is scared of facing him.

Eddie Hearn says Deontay Wilder would be a warm up fight for Anthony Joshua!

“We need a warm up fight before we fight Tyson Fury! Because AJ is coming off an accident he’s rehabilitating his body! We’ll take Deontay Wilder as a warm up fight!!”- Eddie Hearn pic.twitter.com/ownuDTLIWf
— Fight Hub TV (@FightHubTV) April 9, 2026

Hearn acknowledged Wilder’s recent performance but remained confident in Joshua’s superiority.

“By the way, I respect Wilder and I think he looked much better in that fight than he has done previously.

“But, let me tell you, because I was six feet away: Anthony Joshua will walk through Deontay Wilder within three rounds,” the British promoter concluded.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: