If You Lose Again, Anthony Joshua's Career In Boxing!

British boxer Anthony Joshua (left) with the promoter, Eddie Hearn. (Photo: Twitter @anthonyjoshua)

JAKARTA - Renowned boxing promoter Eddie Hearn said British heavyweight Anthony Joshua's career would end if he lost his next fight.

Joshua is scheduled to return to the boxing ring for a comeback match on April 1 at the O2 Arena, London. His opponents have yet to be announced, but Australian heavyweight fighter Demsey McKean has been named his favorite candidate.

"You go to that fight in April and you know if you lose that fight. It's over. It's over," Hearn said as reported by The Sun.

"That result will be the third straight defeat. However, a great performance and a knockout win show (KO) made everyone say: 'We're back, honey'," added Hearn.

Joshua recently suffered a successive defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in August. The results cost him the WBA Super, IBF, WBO, and IBO titles as well as the low version of The Ring after Tyson Fury retired.

The defeat to Usyk was the third defeat in his last five games after he was previously defeated by Andy Ruiz Jr in the first duel of their two meetings.

After the three disappointing results, the 33-year-old fighter is also preparing for a duel that can restore his best performance as well as confidence. He is now starting preparations, including looking for a new coach.

"That's what makes me impatient because I like being in a stressful situation. I'm happy. I'm very excited. The most excited I've ever been on Joshua's journey so far," Hearn said.

Apart from the name McKean, former WBC heavyweight title challenger Gerald Washington is also on Joshua's list of potential opponents. The name of the American boxer was confirmed by Deontay Wilder coach, Malik Scott.

In addition to the two names, heavyweight competitor Otto Wallin is also ready and willing to face the two-time world champion. Wallin promoter Dmitriy Salita thinks his client is a credible opponent for Joshua.