Hearn is Joshua’s promoter and both have been part of building boxing into what it is today as a sport worldwide.
Joshua selling out stadiums in the UK and putting boxing on a new level years ago and tonight, still, internationally, is something that will go down in history.
Boxing is better for Anthony Joshua having been in it over the years.
A steep learning curve with a limited amateur career, although he won Gold at the Olympics, he was still learning on the job as a pro in recent years, in truth.
Alas, he brought kids from his amateur gym along with him on the journey and inspired young boxers the world over with his solid attitude, courage, heart and brilliant fighting ability.
Speaking in the post-fight presser Eddie Hearn said:
“It’s dangerous (a rematch). Dubois is going to be full of confidence. We think AJ can perform much better.”
He added:
“I know he’s going to want a big fight (next).”
He enthused later:
“I feel like a kid (Joshua) that has come off an estate in Watford to win an Olympic Gold Medal, a world silver that he got robbed in, a British title, a common wealth title, a World Title, to completely transform British boxing to a place we thought it never would be…”
Hearn added:
“Anthony’s legacy will live on in the gyms. It will live on at Team GB. It will live on in British Boxing.”
He duly noted after:
“We should be celebrating the achievements. We should be celebrating that’s he’s a bloody good bloke. We should be celebrating that he’s got a pair of cojones and he’s prepared to go out on his shield.”
He added spoke of Anthony Joshua simply as his friend:
“I want him (Anthony Joshua) to be happy. I said it after the Usyk fight. Same thing. I’ve seen his happiness turn around a lot since he started working with Ben (Davison).”
Class act Hearn.
He then mentioned something that hints at a Joshua return:
“I actually think in a weird way when he looks back he will have kind of enjoyed the fight.”
Truth bomb after truth bomb there from sports promoter, and Anthony Joshua promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Sport.
It was a fight for the ages.
A war in the boxing ring, indeed.
A classic.
