Boxing news: Anthony Joshua next opponent announcement, Tyson Fury claim about Whyte fight

Anthony Joshua’s next opponent could be announced TODAY, Eddie Hearn confirmed last Saturday.

The promoter has been working hard to find the right fighter for AJ after Jarrell Miller failed three drugs tests last week.

With Joshua’s American debut definitely going ahead, Hearn shed light on the final stage of selection to iFL TV after a stacked card at the O2 Arena.

After confirming that Michael Hunter and Luis Ortiz were still options, the 39-year-old said: “There are three others that are possibilities.

“I don’t want to talk too much about it because there are negotiations that are currently going on.

“We’re going to be announcing it maybe Wednesday, something like that.

Ortiz has since ruled himself out of the running for the fight on June 1.

The Cuban’s management wrote on Instagram: “It’s a no go for June 1. Sorry guys we where told to stay as quite as possible and play possum until fight had been made because every-time

someone called Luis out it would be a gimmick to promote them self but it still didn’t work.

“We just received news from promoter that it’s a no go and it was all a gimmick and Hearn’s low ball offers will not be accepted and no contract even ever got sent so sorry to all the loyal

fans. Luis really wanted this title shot.”

It was announced on Saturday that Dillian Whyte will take on Oscar Rivas at the O2 Arena on July 20.

Speaking after the announcement, Hearn revealed his excitement and claimed that Tyson Fury rejected the chance to fight the Colombian.

“It’s a fantastic fight, but only people in boxing know that it’s a fantastic fight,” he told iFL TV.

“Go and read people’s comments, reporters, fighters yet the casual fans who are normally my friends say ‘Rivas who?’

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“They’re right, but he’s just chinned Bryant Jennings in the 12th Round and he’s 24-0 and he’s a right f****** handful.”

Kugan Cassius then asked Hearn, “wasn’t he being considered to fight Tyson Fury?”

“It needs a massive card but people need to understand how good of a fight it is.

Eddie Hearn admitted to iFL TV the show will probably not do as many buys as Whyte’s last box-office headliner against Dereck Chisora, but believes it is a better fight.

Hearn also said he plans to pack the undercard with David Allen vs David Price, Denis Lebedev vs Lawrence Okolie, as well as a fight for Chisora which could come against Joseph Parker.

The Kiwi is the only man to go the distance with Anthony Joshua, back in March 2018.

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