Eddie Hearn Dismisses Anthony Joshua vs. Joseph Parker Rematch as Top Comeback Option

The boxing world is buzzing with speculation about Anthony Joshua’s next opponent, but promoter Eddie Hearn has made one thing clear—a rematch with Joseph Parker is not a top priority. Despite Parker’s recent resurgence in the heavyweight division, Hearn believes there are bigger and more lucrative fights for Joshua as he aims to reclaim his status as the dominant force in boxing.

Joshua’s comeback path is under intense scrutiny, with fans and analysts debating who should stand across from him in the ring next. But while Parker remains a credible and formidable contender, Hearn insists the focus should be on matchups that bring higher stakes and more significant financial rewards.

Why a Parker Rematch Doesn’t Appeal to Hearn

Hearn’s reasoning is rooted in marketability, risk-reward balance, and legacy-building. When considering potential opponents, he looks at factors such as pay-per-view sales, public demand, and how a victory would enhance Joshua’s career.

1. Low Marketability Compared to Other Options

Although Parker is a respected name in the division, their first fight in 2018 lacked the fireworks fans crave in a rematch. Joshua won that fight via unanimous decision in what many labeled a cautious, tactical battle rather than a thrilling war.

In contrast, a fight against opponents like Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury, or Filip Hrgović offers far greater intrigue. The heavyweight division thrives on drama, and Parker’s style—while effective—is not necessarily one that creates explosive rivalries.

2. Risk vs. Reward: Does Parker Offer Enough?

Joshua is in a critical rebuilding phase of his career. Every fight must be carefully chosen to ensure it benefits his legacy and positions him for a title shot. While Parker is on an impressive winning streak, he doesn’t bring the same level of global attention as Wilder, Zhilei Zhang, or even a rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr.

A loss to Parker would be devastating for Joshua’s aspirations, while a victory would likely do little to elevate him in the rankings. In short, the risk outweighs the reward in Hearn’s eyes.

3. Keeping Eyes on the Prize: World Titles

Joshua’s main objective is regaining a world championship belt. While Parker is a legitimate top-10 heavyweight, he is not currently holding a world title. If Joshua is to climb back to the pinnacle, he must prioritize fights that edge him closer to a shot at Oleksandr Usyk’s WBA, IBF, and WBO belts or Tyson Fury’s WBC title.

Alternative Paths for Anthony Joshua’s Comeback

If not Parker, then who? Several names have been floated as potential opponents for Joshua’s next step.

1. Deontay Wilder – The Ultimate Super Fight

A fight between Joshua and Wilder has been in discussions for years, but it has never materialized. With both fighters seeking redemption, this is the most lucrative and explosive fight available. Wilder’s power vs. Joshua’s precision is a dream matchup that could determine the next true heavyweight king.

2. Tyson Fury—The Battle for British Supremacy

The all-British showdown between Joshua and Fury is the fight that fans have been demanding for years. If Fury defeats Usyk or even vacates the WBC belt, a Joshua-Fury clash would be one of the biggest fights in boxing history. The storyline, history, and potential legacy implications make this a more attractive option than a Parker rematch.

3. Filip Hrgović—A Mandatory Challenger

Hrgović, the undefeated Croatian powerhouse, is ranked as the mandatory challenger for the IBF title. If Joshua aims to regain his belts through mandatory eliminators, a fight with Hrgović could be a logical stepping stone back to the top.

4. Andy Ruiz Jr. – Settling the Trilogy

Ruiz Jr. shocked the world in 2019 by knocking out Joshua in their first fight. Although Joshua reclaimed his belts in the rematch, a trilogy fight would still generate significant interest. Ruiz remains a dangerous opponent, and a rubber match could bring closure to their rivalry.

5. Zhilei Zhang—The Rising Heavyweight Threat

Zhang has emerged as one of the most exciting heavyweights in the world. With back-to-back wins over Joe Joyce, he has proven himself as a serious title contender. A Joshua vs. Zhang fight would be a major global event, with significant appeal in both Western and Asian markets.

What Does This Mean for Joseph Parker?

Parker, who has been rebuilding his career since losses to Joshua and Dillian Whyte, has put together an impressive string of victories. However, if he wants a rematch with Joshua, he may need to capture a world title first or defeat a top-ranked name like Wilder or Hrgović.

While Parker is undoubtedly a skilled and durable fighter, he has yet to convince the boxing world that he deserves another shot at Joshua. The reality is that unless Parker can make himself an unavoidable opponent, Joshua and his team will likely look elsewhere for bigger opportunities.

Eddie Hearn’s Final Verdict

Hearn has always been strategic with Joshua’s career, ensuring that each fight adds value to his legacy and financial standing. His dismissal of a Parker rematch signals that he wants Joshua on the biggest stages, facing the most marketable and high-reward opponents available.

Joshua has limited time to reclaim his throne in the heavyweight division, and each fight choice is crucial. As things stand, Joseph Parker simply does not fit into the blueprint of Joshua’s resurgence.

Conclusion

Eddie Hearn’s decision to dismiss a Joshua vs. Parker rematch is based on logic, business, and championship aspirations. While Parker remains a worthy opponent, he does not offer Joshua the legacy-defining fight he needs at this stage.

Instead, matchups against Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury, Filip Hrgović, Andy Ruiz Jr., or Zhilei Zhang present more exciting and meaningful opportunities for Joshua’s comeback.

For Parker, the road ahead remains challenging. If he wants to force a rematch with Joshua, he must continue winning, capture a world title, or beat a top-ranked name to make the fight unavoidable.

For now, Hearn and Joshua are looking forward, not backward—and that means the Parker rematch will have to wait, if it ever happens at all.