AJ turns into fight promoter
ANTHONY JOSHUA is turning boxing promoter.
But the World champ insists he won’t take his eye off the prizes in 2018 by getting caught up in his new role.
The IBF, WBA and IBO heavyweight king has a proposed unification bout against WBO champion Joseph Parker in late March or early April.
And, if he comes through that, he hopes to face WBC top dog Deontay Wilder, with every title on the line.
But Joshua has agreed also to co-promote the cruiserweight clash between Lawrence Okolie and Isaac Chamberlain alongside his own promoter, Eddie Hearn.
The fight will occur on February 3 — between seven and nine weeks before he is expected to take on Parker – and with his own training camp well under way.
Joshua said: “It’s impossible to be the best fighter and the best promoter. Eddie can’t be the best promoter and be a world champion.
“I’ve been pro now for going into four years, so it’s way too early to think about being a promoter.
“But it’s a great opportunity and Eddie said it wouldn’t take away anything from my boxing so it made sense.
“I know both fighters and how eager you have to be, coming from the bottom to get to the top.”
The hope is that Joshua’s involvement increases the buzz around the battle between former Olympian Okolie, 25, and 23-year-old Chamberlain.
Some believe the clash has come too soon.
But Joshua added: “Isaac has had nine fights and Lawrence has had seven. This could have been their 14th or 15th fights, but they want to progress.
“For some reason, 2018 seems like it will be a huge year for all of us.”