Anthony Joshua Was The One Encouraging Fans To Boo Promoter Eddie Hearn

Given his record, which speaks for itself, Anthony Joshua pretty much has a free pass to do what he wishes in the world of boxing.

The Brit's meteoric rise, paired with his humble nature, has endeared fans for a few years now and he's seen as the hottest prospect this country has produced in a long time.

He took advantage of his likability and popularity following his win against French-Cameroonian Carlos Takam, booing promoter Eddie Hearn.

Wherever he goes, whatever he does, Hearn has to face the inevitable, which is thousands of people giving him stick for his activities and controversial persona over the years.

This wasn't helped last night when AJ encouraged fans to boo him.

After giving his post-fight interview Hearn took to the mic to talk about the next steps for the 28-year-old, outlining Deontay Wilder, Joseph Park and Tyson Fury as his next three opponents.

Before that though, Joshua grabbed the microphone, address the crowd and said "everyone, everyone... booooo."

The promoter laughed it off as AJ told him he was joking, but you'd have to guess that a little part of him really enjoyed it.

In another interview the champ tried to get a cheer going for Hearn, but quite clearly knew what he was doing, as another round of boos sounded out.

Despite the boos, Hearn did actually say something worth noting, as he said that AJ's next three fights will be in Britain to continue flying the flag.

He said: "Deontay Wilder, he talks a lot but he's not really fighting anybody right now. Deontay Wilder against Anthony Joshua has to happen.

"There's also a great heavyweight called Tyson Fury. We want to see him come back to the sport. Anthony Joshua wants to be in the real fights. I promise you and I promise the fans that he will give you the fights that you want.

"I promise you that! Deontay Wilder, Joseph Parker, Tyson Fury - those are the 2018 fights.

"Tonight was a mandatory. You fight that fight or you lose the belt. He worked so hard for that belt. Anthony Joshua has achieved so much.

"I want to thank everybody for coming out here in Cardiff. I don't think we should go abroad. I think we should stay right here.

"I think we should keep the British flag flying. That's what Anthony Joshua has done but I promise you he will fight anyone."

Topics: SPORT, AJ, UK News, Anthony Joshua, Boxing, Eddie Hearn

Mark McGowan

Mark is a journalist at LADbible, who joined in 2015 after a year as a freelance writer. In the past he blogged for independent football fan channel Redmen TV, after graduating from Staffordshire University with degrees in journalism and English literature. He has worked on campaigns such as UOKM8? and IIOC.