Eddie Hearn’s Heartfelt Confession: The Unbreakable Bond That Saved Anthony Joshua’s Career

Anthony Joshua’s name is synonymous with power, precision, and resilience. The two-time heavyweight world champion has seen it all: meteoric rises, crushing defeats, and inspiring comebacks. But behind the scenes, one man has remained his unwavering pillar of support: Eddie Hearn.

In a rare and heartfelt confession, Hearn revealed the depth of his bond with Joshua, a relationship that has gone far beyond promoter and fighter. Their journey has been one of mutual trust, redemption, and unshakable belief—and at one of the darkest moments of Joshua’s career, it was this bond that saved him from falling into obscurity.

What exactly did Eddie Hearn confess? And how did this unbreakable partnership keep Anthony Joshua’s career alive when all hope seemed lost? Let’s dive into the truth behind boxing’s most unique relationship.

The Beginning: A Partnership Built on Trust

Joshua’s Rise from Olympic Glory to Heavyweight Stardom

In 2012, a young and hungry Anthony Joshua stormed his way to an Olympic gold medal in London. His performances caught the attention of top boxing promoters, but one man stood out—Eddie Hearn, the ambitious head of Matchroom Boxing.

Hearn saw something special in Joshua. It wasn’t just raw power; it was charisma, discipline, and the makings of a future global star.

• 2013: Joshua turned professional under Matchroom’s banner.
• 2015: He won the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles.
• 2016: He became the IBF heavyweight world champion after dismantling Charles Martin.

It was the perfect fighter-promoter combination, with Hearn providing the business savvy and Joshua delivering the knockouts.

The First Real Test: The Klitschko War and the Making of a Champion

In 2017, Joshua faced Wladimir Klitschko—a defining moment that would shape his legacy. In front of 90,000 fans at Wembley, he overcame a brutal knockdown to stop Klitschko in the 11th round, proving his warrior spirit.

Hearn called it:

“One of the greatest heavyweight fights of all time. AJ showed everything—power, resilience, and a champion’s heart.”

This win solidified Joshua as the face of boxing. But what goes up must come down—and Hearn would soon face the toughest challenge of his partnership with Joshua.

The Downfall: Ruiz, Doubts, and a Career at Risk

The Nightmare in New York

On June 1, 2019, Joshua was set to make his U.S. debut against Andy Ruiz Jr. in Madison Square Garden. Expected to dominate, Joshua was stunned by the world when Ruiz knocked him down four times before stopping him in the seventh round.

The defeat wasn’t just a loss—it was a humiliation.

• Fans and critics questioned Joshua’s chin.
• Rumors swirled that he had suffered a panic attack before the fight.
• His aura of invincibility was shattered.

Eddie Hearn took the loss personally. He later confessed:

“I could see the devastation in his eyes. People were turning on him, questioning his heart. But I knew the kind of man AJ is. There was no way we were giving up.”

The Redemption: A New Joshua Emerges

Six months later, in Saudi Arabia, Joshua outboxed Ruiz in the rematch, reclaiming his heavyweight titles. It was a masterclass in discipline and adjustments, proving that Joshua was more than just a knockout artist.

Hearn’s belief never wavered, and it was this faith that fueled Joshua’s comeback.

The Usyk Defeats: The Darkest Chapter

While the Ruiz redemption was a career-saving moment, the next challenge was even greater—Oleksandr Usyk.

In 2021, Joshua faced Usyk for the first time, expecting to prove he was still the king. Instead, Usyk delivered a boxing clinic, outclassing Joshua and taking his belts.

Joshua was devastated. But the true heartbreak came in the 2022 rematch, when Joshua fought better but still fell short against Usyk. His emotional outburst after the fight showed his mental exhaustion and frustration.

Hearn later revealed:

“After that second Usyk fight, AJ was at a crossroads. He was lost. He didn’t know if he wanted to fight anymore.”

The Turning Point: Hearn Refuses to Let Joshua Fall

Despite the losses, Hearn never abandoned Joshua. While some called for him to retire, Hearn stood firm:

• He rejected calls to drop Joshua from Matchroom.
• He reassured AJ that his journey wasn’t over.
• He found the right fights to rebuild his confidence.

“I told him, ‘AJ, you’re still one of the best heavyweights in the world. You’re going to prove everyone wrong.’”

This unwavering belief is what kept Joshua going.

The Road to Resurrection: Joshua’s Future and Hearn’s Plan

Now, in 2024, Joshua is on the path to redemption once again. With victories over Jermaine Franklin and Otto Wallin, he has rebuilt his confidence and regained his killer instinct.

Hearn has crafted a carefully planned roadmap for Joshua’s return to the top:

1. The Mega Fight with Francis Ngannou

Joshua is set to face Francis Ngannou, the former UFC champion turned heavyweight contender. This is a high-stakes fight—a chance for Joshua to show he’s still a dominant force in boxing.

2. The Ultimate Goal: A Third Championship Run

With Tyson Fury and Usyk battling for undisputed status, Joshua is positioning himself for one last title shot.

Hearn is convinced:

“AJ will be champion again. This is just the next chapter in his story.”

Conclusion: A Bond That Transcends Boxing

The relationship between Eddie Hearn and Anthony Joshua isn’t just about business—it’s about loyalty, belief, and perseverance.

• When Joshua was at his lowest, Hearn stood by him.
• When the world doubted him, Hearn never lost faith.
• Now, as Joshua fights for his redemption, Hearn is still in his corner.

This isn’t just about a boxer and his promoter. This is about two men who have built something unbreakable. And no matter what happens next, their journey will go down as one of boxing’s greatest partnerships.

The question is—will this partnership end with Joshua reclaiming his throne? Or is this the final stretch of his incredible journey?

One thing is certain: Eddie Hearn will be there until the very end.