BOXING promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed what he said to Frank Warren before they teamed up to organise the historic ‘Day of Reckoning’ event this week.
Anthony Joshua is set to take on Otto Wallin in a huge Saudi Arabia showdown on December 23.
Deontay Wilder will also get into the ring to fight Joseph Parker in a co-main event.
Warren’s Queensberry Promotions – in conjunction with the Saudi Arabian government – is hosting the event, with Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing also involved.
It is the first time the two rival promotion companies have teamed up for an event.
And Hearn has insisted that it could be a “turning point” for British boxing.
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He told BBC Sport: “I met Frank Warren for the first time at Wednesday’s news conference.
“It was a very simple exchange. I said we should forget the rubbish, that this is a big opportunity for Queensberry, Matchroom, for boxing and our fighters, so let’s not mess it up.
“He said pretty much the same to me. This could be a real turning point for British boxing.
“Matchroom and Queensberry will always be rivals, which is good for the fans because we will do our best to put on great shows, to be ahead of the competition.
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“But I have always said when the opportunity is right for the fighter, egos will generally be put to one side.
“We would be idiots if we turned down this chance for Anthony Joshua, or Dmitry Bivol and Jai Opetaia who fight on the undercard.
“These are life-changing opportunities for some of those guys.”
Should Joshua defeat Wallin, he will likely face Wilder next year.
Discussing the potential bout, AJ said: “People talking about how I’ve peaked have never even seen a peak in their whole career. I’m looking forward to delivering my message to Otto Wallin on December 23.
“I can’t predict the future but I know where I want to go, I know what I want to do. I’m sticking to that plan.
“I set out a plan at the start of this year and I’m sticking to that. I’m a man of my word, I stand firm with what I believe.
“And I believe I’m going to be a three-time heavyweight champion of the world. My first step to that is putting on a demolition job against Otto Wallin.
“I’m determined to win and I’m determined to get back to my peak, if that’s what they want to call it.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
