Eddie Hearn has labelled Anthony Joshua as the most “loyal” fighter on his roster.
Hearn and Joshua have enjoyed a highly successful run together ever since the Watford man signed to his Matchroom Boxing stable when he turned professional after his success at the 2012 Olympics.
The Olympic Gold medalist signed a rare lifetime deal in 2021 to keep him with the Essex promoter until he hangs up his gloves.
A remarkable vein of form saw ‘AJ’ become heavyweight world champion on two occasions and a crossover star amongst casual boxing fans, headlining at Wembley Stadium twice.
The 34-year-old has suffered dramatic blips along the journey, with a shock defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019 and back-to-back defeats against Oleksandr Usyk, the second of which saw him break down in a post-fight press conference with Hearn by his side.
Joshua has returned to winning ways with four straight victories, knocking out ex-UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou in two rounds last month.
Hearn is now tasked with navigating a route back to heavyweight title glory and has praised his allegiance to his company.
“He’s the most loyal fighter we’ve ever [worked with],” the Matchroom Chairman told Piers Morgan Uncensored.
“We talk about the high end which is that fight.
“You also have to think about the build. The investment that’s made as he turned professional, taking him around the country, making sure his training’s there, his sparring’s there.
“And as such we’ve acknowledged the importance of AJ to our business and he’s involved in the business as well, which is the first time we’ve ever done that with a client.
“That’s down to his loyalty, obviously the input and the value he’s added to Matchroom over the years, because let’s be honest, with us but not in the same way, because you always need that ambassador, that flagship guy or girl.
“He has been the driver of boxing in Britain and every fighter will acknowledge him.”
‘AJ’ has been pictured this week training with Ben Davison, who has been leading his corner for his past two bouts.
The British star, who revealed his intentions to retire in two years, says he is likely to return in September and admits he’ll be keeping a close eye on the upcoming undisputed heavyweight title showdown between Usyk and Tyson Fury on May 18 in Saudi Arabia.
“Around September is when I’ve been told – I was hoping for June,” he said on The Jonathan Ross Show.
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“I’ve got some time to go on dates now and mingle a little bit. I’m training at the minute. I’ve got two months before I get into training camp.
“No, [I don’t know the opponent], but I think what they’re saying is, ‘Be patient’, because you’ve got Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk for all the belts.
“And then once that’s done, hopefully, I can kick down the door and get my opportunity.”
