Eddie Hearn sees Abu Dhabi as the next major boxing destination after Bivol vs Ramirez showdown

Defeat to Oleksandr Usyk at Rage on the Red Sea in Jeddah may have left former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua bruised and boxing fans asking what happens next for AJ?

For British boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, his story is far from over if Joshua’s popularity in the Middle East is any indication.

“The heavyweight division is the spectacle of boxing. When you get someone like AJ walking into the sport, an Olympic gold medalist, there aren’t many role models that can really inspire different generations,” said Hearn, chairman of Matchroom Sport.

“You know when we are doing photoshoots in the square in Jeddah and all of a sudden people are out with smiles on their faces. That’s infectious and it is amazing to have someone like that in our sport: I mean the scenes in Saudi; it’s so good for boxing when you see these people come out excited to see this fighter.”

“I think the pressure and the politics may have made him (Joshua) fall out of love with the sport, I want him back to three or four fights a year and enjoying it again, then fight for a world title.”

A bout against Tyson Fury has been mooted, and Hearn confirms that Joshua is ready for that fight any time.

But before that, big names will be coming to Abu Dhabi with the new Champions Series launched by Matchroom Boxing and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.

The WBA Light Heavyweight world championship bout between Dmitry Bivol and Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez at Etihad Arena on Nov. 5 is the first of many, according to Hearn.

“As we grow you will see our biggest names, Joshua, and even Canelo Alverez. I love Abu Dhabi’s long-term vision for the sport.”

Hearn foresees a permanent residence for boxing in the UAE capital, with investment in