Eddie Hearn makes bold Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder prediction after AJ secures first KO win in nearly three years

EDDIE HEARN is adamant Anthony can ‘comfortably’ outperform Joshua Deontay Wilder in his long-overdue grudge fight.

The former unified heavyweight champion sealed his showdown with the Bronze Bomber in 2024 with an explosive knockout victory over Robert Helenius last Saturday.

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AJ earned his second straight win with a brutal seventh-round KO of The Nordic Nightmare – a last-minute replacement for Dillian Whyte.

Hearn was delighted that the Watford warrior clinched his first post-match win in almost three years and is adamant British boxing’s golden boy can match the former WBC king now that he has regained his mojo.

The Matchroom Boxing boss said: “I think he can easily beat Deontay Wilder, but he could also be beaten by Deontay Wilder.”

“I don’t necessarily think so, I mean the good thing is that he – what was that – has a seven-round lead against a big opponent who can hit a little bit with the backhand?

“I think it’s difficult to replicate the power of Deontay Wilder.

“But I’ve always felt that AJ could outperform Deontay Wilder.”

Joshua, 33, showed improved footwork against Helenius but his reluctance to trade in the pocket was evident.

Hearn believes AJ has somewhat lost the killer instinct he had early in his career, but adopting his more methodical approach will serve him well in his Saudi showdown with Wilder.

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He said, “I’d rather he box cautiously than his old style against Deontay Wilder.”

“I know he can beat him with that style too, but I’d love to see him box Deontay Wilder and try to beat him.”

“If he hits Wilder with his right hand like that, the fight is over.”

“And vice versa if Wilder lands a right hand.

“That’s why it’s one of the best fights in boxing.”

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Joshua and Wilder were on a collision course in 2018 when they held all the marbles in the heavyweight division.

Their much-anticipated grudge fight, which Joshua welcomed after using Helenis, never materialized

AJ said in his post-fight interview, “Go ahead. I won’t worry when the time comes.”

“I’m just glad we can get the fight going and I think people appreciate that.”

“I’m doing my best to keep heavyweight boxing on the map.”