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Joshua vs Ruiz Jr: Anthony Joshua-Deontay Wilder fight must be next with no excuses, says Eddie Hearn

Written by on 19/05/2019

Anthony Joshua’s undisputed title fight with Deontay Wilder must happen next with ‘no excuses’ if Britain’s unified champion defeats Andy Ruiz Jr, says promoter Eddie Hearn.

Wilder defended his WBC heavyweight belt with a stunning first round knockout of Dominic Breazeale in Brooklyn and Joshua next makes his US debut against Ruiz Jr at Madison Square Garden on June 1, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Matchroom Boxing boss Hearn hopes that Joshua can produce a similarly destructive performance as Wilder, setting up an explosive super fight between the two champions.

“That was an impressive win for Deontay – he’s exciting to watch,” Hearn told Sky Sports.

“He has taken care of business, now AJ needs to do the same against Ruiz Jr at Madison Square Garden on June 1.

“The fight with AJ and Wilder is the biggest fight in the sport and all being well in two weeks’ time it must happen next – no excuses, this is the fight that will change the sport globally.

“It’s a legacy fight and AJ wants it so bad. Two big, fast, dangerous and fearless world heavyweight world champions that can turn the lights out with a blink of the eye – it’s a must.

“First things first, taking care of business on his American debut on June 1 and send a message straight back.”

Wilder insists he remains willing to fight Joshua and did not rule out watching his rival from ringside in New York.

“I’ve got a lot of obligations to fulfil,” said Wilder. “But if that date is open for me, you may see Deontay Wilder there.

“When it’s a good scrap, a good fight that people want to see, you might find me there. I can’t say right now, I can’t promise you that but when that time comes we’ll see what happens.”

Joshua vs Ruiz Jr booking info

Asked about the Joshua fight, Wilder added: “It’s going to happen, it will happen. I believe in all my heart it will happen. I don’t want this to be a Lennox [Lewis] and [Riddick] Bowe situation, I definitely don’t.

“The heavyweight division is so lit right now, it’s on fire right now. I think it is our obligation, our duty to give the fans what they want.

“I always say how we’ve been trying, but it’s going to come back around again and I think the next time it comes around the discussions, that deal we’ve been trying to make, something is going to get done.”

Watch Anthony Joshua’s US debut against Andy Ruiz Jr, Katie Taylor’s undisputed world lightweight title fight, and the undercard at Madison Square Garden in New York on June 1, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

(c) Sky News 2019: Joshua vs Ruiz Jr: Anthony Joshua-Deontay Wilder fight must be next with no excuses, says Eddie Hearn