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DIRIYAH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 07: Anthony Joshua poses for a photo with the IBF, WBA, WBO & IBO World Heavyweight Title belts after the IBF, WBA, WBO & IBO World Heavyweight Title Fight between Andy Ruiz Jr and Anthony Joshua during the Matchroom Boxing ‘Clash on the Dunes’ show at the Diriyah Season on December 07, 2019 in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

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DIRIYAH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 07: Anthony Joshua poses for a photo with the IBF, WBA, WBO & IBO World Heavyweight Title belts after the IBF, WBA, WBO & IBO World Heavyweight Title Fight between Andy Ruiz Jr and Anthony Joshua during the Matchroom Boxing ‘Clash on the Dunes’ show at the Diriyah Season on December 07, 2019 in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Anthony Joshua is planning to once again enter the ranks of top heavyweight fighters. After all, his repetitive losses against Oleksandr Usyk have damaged a lot of his credibility. However, even after being counted out and facing all the odds against him, he is still not afraid to face challenges and take risks. It appears that even the prospect of losing a whopping ‘$76 Million’ didn’t phase him.
Joshua is all set to face Dillian Whyte prior to his December bout against Deontay Wilder. However, according to his promoter, Eddie Hearn, by fighting Whyte, Joshua is risking his hefty paycheck for the December bout. Speaking to talkSPORT, Hearn revealed insider details regarding the huge payday deal and how Joshua’s decision to face Whyte can affect his immediate future.
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Anthony Joshua risks his huge payday
Anthony Joshua is set to face Dillian Whyte eight years after his previous momentous knockout victory over his arch-rival at London’s O2 Arena. Moreover, it has been announced that the duo will square off at the exact same venue on August 12. However, some may argue that Joshua is simply not the same fighter who made easy work of the British boxer. But it seems that even possibly jeopardizing a potential payday of £60 million, roughly equal to $76 million, did not stop the fighter from taking the challenge.

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 09: Eddie Hearn, Boxing Promoter and Chairman of Matchroom smiles as he speaks to the media during the Joseph Parker and Derek Chisora Press Conference on November 09, 2021 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
Eddie Hearn revealed that the situation surrounding the fight is rather crazy. Hearn said, “This one is wild,” as AJ “has got the Wilder fight locked in for December.” He shared that they had “meetings last week with the Saudis.” He called the bout “One of the biggest fights in boxing”. Moreover, he also revealed that they have been told that “the deal on the table is not the deal if he loses to Dillian Whyte”. It appears Wilder’s side didn’t want him to take such a risk ahead of the huge bout.
Joshua remains incessant to face Whyte
The Hertfordshire native’s style has been known for his offensive ability from the beginning, though he did change it recently. However, his spirit remains true to his style; he is willing to take on ‘The Body Snatcher’, putting everything on the line. Moreover, it appears fans are in his support too, as they came to his support when Tyson Fury made a snide remark on him recently. Speaking about his indomitable spirit, Hearn shared that AJ has been working with his trainer, Derrick James. He added, “He wanted to have that fight, and he was insistent it was Dillian Whyte.” Though Hearn wasn’t obviously totally happy with the idea, he even called it “dangerous”.
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He claimed that it’s a bout that is “built off emotion” because of both boxers dislike for one another. He referred to their previous bout and pointed out how brutal the current fight can end up being. Hearn said, “You saw what happened last time at the O2. It’s going to be an absolute firefight on August 12.” The British promoter claimed that this is what makes the fight dangerous. He pointed out that Joshua could have taken an easy fight, “but he’s decided to roll the dice.”
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Overall, it appears that Joshua has a lot at stake in the upcoming bout, including his paycheck and reputation. This fight is going to shape the future of boxing in the latter half of the year. Meanwhile, do share your thoughts in the comments regarding the situation.
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