JAKARTA Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has not been at the optimal level to face Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder after a win over Jermaine Franklin.
Joshua, who is currently 33 years old, has just ended two consecutive defeats with an absolute 12-round win against Franklin on April 1 yesterday at the O2 Arena, London, England.
After the victory, the famous promoter Eddie Hearn immediately saw potential options for Joshua's next fight. However, Wilder and Fury are still being sidelined.
"The common feeling is that we need another fight. One step ahead of Franklin. However, to unite and continue to grow with Derrick James ( Joshua coach), we need another fight in the summer," Hearn was quoted as saying by Boxing Scene.
"If we're going to face Fury or Wilder, which is inevitable, I just want him to come forward with the best chance he can and I feel right now he's not at an optimal level to face the fight," Hearn added.
The duel against Franklin was Joshua's first fight with his new coach, Derrick James. Derrick is famous for his cold hands with world champions such as Errol Spence and Jermell Charlo.
After winning against Franklin, several names began to appear as leading candidates against Joshua. The names included Dillian Whyte, Otto Wallin, and Joe Joyce.
Hearn prepared the fight against the names for the nearest summer. After passing one of the three names, Joshua will be prepared to face Fury or Wilder in December.
Hearn said the fight against Fury was actually open in the summer. However, Joshua needs momentum to finalize himself before the match against Fury or Wilder later.
"So, it is a difficult decision because if we hold a fight with the aim of continuing to grow and for a long life and to make Joshua reach his best condition, then we have to hold another fight," Hearn said.
"I want him to fight in July and then in December. I think it would be great for him to take a break over the past few weeks straight back to Texas with Derrick James," he added.
Victory over Franklin is Joshua's first win after losing twice to Oleksandr Usyk in September 2021 and August 2022, respectively. That is two out of three defeats in his career.
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