I like Michael Hunter as a replacement opponent for Joshua

Now hear me out. I know Hunter is a former cruiserweight and all. But I think he could potentially be just as big of a test as Miller would have been... Hunter destroyed Bakole. Bakole is a big @ss heavyweight. Hunter was able to stop him. Bakole recently stopped Wach by TKO in a better way than Miller did. Not that I believe in triangle theories but it shows that Hunter has the skills to beat way bigger guys in the division. He also lost to Usyk, but there is no shame in that at all. That was a good learning experience for him. Hunter also KO'd Ustinov. Not that Ustinov is that good, but he is a very big guy. The size difference in that fight was huge so it was impressive to me how he just walked through Ustinov. Also knocked out Kiladze sooner than Kownacki and just as fast as Joyce did. Politically it also makes sense. Hunter is an American with a good amateur pedigree. Good opponent for Joshua's american debut. Ranked by the IBF and WBA. He is also on DAZN so it's an easy fight to make. He was rumoured to fight Povetkin around the time Joshua is fighting so he is available for the date I would reckon. I mean I get that the size difference is huge between Hunter and Joshua. But I think that Hunter being a midget could actually play into his advantage. More mobility and speed are advantages that Miller didn't have lol. The last time Joshua fought a real short guy in Takam he was struggling to land clean so this could be interesting imo.

Comments (19)

DuckAdonis

I don't have a huge problem with Hunter.. but he's not a household name. I'd rather see someone more established, like Ortiz or Pulev. Arum said Pulev won't fight AJ in June...he already confirmed that on video. The only good options I see is Hunter and Ortiz. Team Ortiz said that they think the fight is on too short notice so they will probably not take it. That's what Hearn said atleast... Options look very limited. Hunter is decent, American and on DAZN. Also scheduled to fight soon. Can't think of any opponent who fits the bills like him.

7y ago

Bmore18

I still dont think Ive ever seen Hunter fight. Lol if you wanna use term "American fighter" he is completely unknown. Whatever still wont change result of the fight. One known loudmouth bum for an unknown bum

7y ago

4truth

Would DAZN want Hunter even if he's with them? Joshua-Hunter will move exactly 0 subscriptions for DAZN USA. DAZN needs to get some highlight clips on the air of Hunter dismantling behemoths Bakole and Ustinov. Most people probably are thinking of Hunter as a cruiser weight with no chance at all.

7y ago

4truth

Is it possible that Ortiz would not pass the ped test without a little more notice? It's the only explanation I can think of for not just showing up to collect the check. I get that 6 weeks is short notice for a 40 year old boxer but I can't believe that pride would keep him from taking the money anyway despite not being in shape for the fight.

7y ago

Biolink

Would DAZN want Hunter even if he's with them? Joshua-Hunter will move exactly 0 subscriptions for DAZN USA.

7y ago

j0zef

I don't have a huge problem with Hunter.. but he's not a household name. I'd rather see someone more established, like Ortiz or Pulev.

7y ago

Mammoth

I absolutely love Michael Hunter. That's a terrible US debut though.

7y ago

paulf

If anywhere near as many Brits are flying in as Hearn says, it would probably be shrewd to make sure AJ as an American opponent to knock out in America. You know that's what they crave in the deep of their hearts.

7y ago

pillowfists98

Hunter is definitely the most likely option. And he's not a bad one.

7y ago

blue_dolphin

who the fook??

7y ago

Rip_Chudd

Yep. Every ticket says card subject to change. Only a cancellation can get their money back. Guess Eddie was blowing smoke in that interview about giving people their money back since Miller is no longer the opponent

7y ago

Boksfan

I like Hunter too, he's a warrior.

7y ago

Rip_Chudd

Won't get it back. Says right there on the tickets they won't be refunded if the card is changed. Dang that sucks. Guess people are just stuck

7y ago

Enzo_Mc_is_SHIT

A Juicin' J will either find Hunter easy work and steamroll him in a couple of rounds or extremely frustrating work and win a decision.

7y ago

4truth

Hunter's fight with Bakole was Holyfieldesque. If Hunter could survive the first 6, a big if, the scales would begin to tip in his favor.

7y ago

Ray

The only option should be Ortiz, IF they don't get him then fine go with Hunter. No one is travelling from here to see Miller, they are there to see Joshua and if the opponent is Hunter they would still get to see Joshua.

7y ago

FLEX_UK

If Hunter replaces Miller as the opponent, expect for people to ask for their money back. I would. Hunter/AJ is a terrible World Title fight at the moment but at this stage who better is there to replace Miller on short notice? Hunter is working his way up the rankings with with some half decent wins of late, i wouldn't be totally against this fight at this point

7y ago

Rip_Chudd

If Hunter replaces Miller as the opponent, expect for people to ask for their money back. I would.

7y ago

W1LL

I also like Michael Hunter as an opponent, could be hardwork stylistically for AJ. AJ's last small opponents, Takam and Povetkin both had success for sustained periods. AJ looks better hammering out big lumps. Also, Hunter has been in training for a fight in May, so he's probably in better shape than AJ at this point.

7y ago