DAZN’s CEO Provides An Update On Joshua’s Opponent – Could It Be Chisora?
DAZN’s Joe Markowski has confirmed that a replacement opponent for Anthony Joshua will be announced very soon.
Dillian Whyte’s positive test resulted in the August 12th, 2023, bout being called off. As a result, an opponent is being sought after for AJ.
Some of the names that have been put forward include Jared Anderson, Derek Chisora, Andy Ruiz Jr, Frank Sanchez, Filip Hrgovic and Martin Bakole.
However, neither of those fights would be a walkover, never mind on a one-week notice. And the last time ‘AJ’ took on an opponent on short notice was Andy Ruiz Jr.
Following Jarrell Miller’s failed positive tests, Ruiz came in on a six-week notice to shock Joshua on his American debut and become the unified heavyweight champion.
Therefore, any opponent will have to be considered wisely in light of Markowski’s impending announcement.
“Not yet. Obviously very disappointed. I know team AJ is, and I know Eddie [Hearn] is. I feel for Eddie. I feel for AJ more than anyone else.
“Yeah, the right decision to cancel the event. We’re in discussions with Matchroom. We’ll see what happens there. I don’t think anything will get announced until early next week,” Markowski
AJ Vs. Chisora
Meanwhile, David Haye has opened up on Whyte’s failed test following an ‘adverse finding’ by VADA.
Although the news did take boxing fans aback, Haye admitted that he was informed by Chisora around a week before the news broke.
As such, Chisora was allegedly in camp getting ready to face AJ. And now that the news has broken, Haye revealed all.
“It’s funny, I got a call from Derek Chisora about a week ago telling me this exact thing would happen. I didn’t pay much mind to it, but he was telling me he’s fighting AJ a week ago. Derek’s been training for that fight.
“He said to keep it to myself, but I think this news is out there now that Dillian’s not the man going to be in the ring with AJ on the 12th [of August], and Derek’s been training for that fight,” Chisora
Nevertheless, the fight may not go down well with the fan base. Chisora is on a losing streak. Four defeats in his last five fights have shown a boxer who is no longer at the peak of his powers.
Not only that, but given that he is 39-years-old, getting such a bout on pay-per-view may not be so easy. And this was reflected in the comments that follow on social media.
Social Media Reaction
Blood is on eddies hands! Terrible idea if this goes ahead 😒
— 𝕄𝔸ℂℂ𝔸 ގގ🥷🏼 (@Liam_Macca_10) August 6, 2023
Give aj a better fight then he did Tyson tbf, there mates though surely not happening
— Kyle Doughty (@kyledoughty9) August 6, 2023
You’d hope so Josh but chisora’s took some mega damage over the years, coming up to 40 the man is a warrior no doubt about it. If it does go ahead i will pray for him 🙏 #WAR
— 𝕄𝔸ℂℂ𝔸 ގގ🥷🏼 (@Liam_Macca_10) August 6, 2023