Ex-world title challenger Johann Duhaupas has told WBN that a fight with Anthony Joshua is on his mind for April this year.
The Frenchman returns next month from a spirited effort against WBC champion Deontay Wilder last September. Duhaupas inflicted the most damage on the American before being stopped in the eleventh round.
Dependent on a triumphant return in Monaco in February, Duhaupas has been promised a WBC Silver title shot by the World Boxing Council, according to his manager Mehdi Ameur, and is intent on sharing the ring with Joshua in Monaco or London this spring.
Johann Duhaupas
“Johann has taken a license to fight in Monaco as he is not registered in France,” Ameur explained to WBN. “He will fight on February 5, but then he wants to take on Joshua in April. We hope to stage the fight in Monaco for the vacant WBC Silver title and Joshua’s WBC International title.
“The winner would then have a good chance of going on to fight Deontay Wilder for the full title as mandatory.”
Duhaupas, 34, is hopeful the fight can be made and says if Monaco isn’t possible due to Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn’s commitment to the O2 Arena in London on April 9, he would consider traveling to the UK.
“When I see the fights Joshua and his record of knockouts, I know he is an excellent fighter. Joshua has punching power, and he has good mobility. Plus, he is young,” Duhaupas exclusively told World Boxing News.
Anthony Joshua
“I know Anthony fights on April 9 in London. But my manager Mehdi can organize a big event in Monaco against Joshua after my fight in February. I am ready to fight Joshua and want that fight soon.
“Joshua doesn’t have the experience I have. He only has the punch. But no more power than Deontay Wilder had. I am hard and can take these punches. I want Joshua to accept my offer to come to Monaco in April.
“If Joshua doesn’t come here, then I can go to London, but for Anthony, both options are not good, and they are very dangerous for him because let’s not forget that I am ‘The Reptile.'”
Follow experienced boxing writer Phil Jay on Twitter @PhilJWBN. Follow WBN: Facebook, Insta, Twitter.
