"We have to move forward" - Eddie Hearn provides an update on the Anthony Joshua vs. Oleksandr Usyk rematch

Eddie Hearn has given fans an update on the Anthony Joshua vs. Oleksandr Usyk rematch. The Matchroom Boxing promoter was at the final weigh-in for the Leigh Wood vs. Michael Conlan fight when he spoke to Boxing Social's Andi Purewal about the fight:

"No, no, we spoke what, twenty-four hours ago. Just waiting to speak to Alex Krassyuk. Again, it's not something to chase people on at the moment, but we just need to know, eventually where AJ stands. If Usyk won't be ready for end of May, early June, then we have to move forward with an interim fight. And we'll look at those opponents."

Take a look at the interview:

Anthony Joshua is currently in no man's land. 'AJ' looked to take on Oleksandr Usyk in a rematch this year. However, 'The Cat' is in Ukraine, defending his country against Russian invasion. Joshua has been left in the balance not knowing when he will get to fight for the titles again. The best option in such a situation is for Joshua to take on an interim fight, or a 'tune-up fight' as he waits for Usyk.

This will help the Brit stay in shape and stay ready for his rematch against Usyk. He will also likely look to take on Tyson Fury after the Usyk rematch.

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Eddie Hearn reveals Deontay Wilder as one of the names that Anthony Joshua wants to fight

As the hunt for an interim bout for Joshua begins, Eddie Hearn has revealed the names that 'AJ' is looking to fight. In an interview with Michelle Joy Phelps, Hearn said:

"My kind of feeling of an interim fight is very different to AJ's feeling. Because the names that he's talking about. Like an interim fight, when you're waiting for Usyk, should really be a very straight-forward procedure. But when AJ's talking about Wilder, this is a name that he wants me to look into, Wallin, Ortiz, Joe Joyce. Like all these kinda names, like even Joseph Parker. These are serious fights."

Take a look at the tweet:

What Hearn meant was that interim fights are like tune-up fights where a relatively easy opponent is chosen for the fighter, so he can stay in shape. However, Joshua wants to go after another big name in a mega-fight.