Despite Saudi Negotiations Hiatus, Eddie Hearn Provides Positive Update on Deontay Wilder vs. Anthony Joshua

It’s raining matches for Anthony Joshua. The former world champion is already done with two bouts this year. The first with Jermaine Franklin ended in a unanimous win. In the second match, he dispatched Robert Helenius early in the seventh round. However, talks of an epic clash with Deontay Wilder have been stirring fans’ curiosity for some time. A meetup in Saudi Arabia by December appeared to be in the making. But due to unforeseen reasons, a contest in the Middle Eastern country is unlikely to happen now, as it seems. However, as Eddie Hearn filled in, there’s no reason to call it a day.

According to the latest report, as the BBC shared, Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder appear to have settled down on their mega-fight terms. However, according to Hearn, the chances of the former looking for other options remain high if the contract is not ratified immediately. Should it happen, the following alternative would be an Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury match.

Optimism prevails: Eddie Hearn update on Anthony Joshua vs. Deontay Wilder

So, Eddie Hearn spoke to Boxing King Media: “…Shelly Finkel and I have spoken. They’re ready to take that fight. Everybody’s agreed [with] the terms, but until the money’s put in place, the fight’s not happening now. It doesn’t just have to happen in Saudi Arabia. There are now other talks about other countries…” One thing is clear: both camps want to make the bout happen. However, the Matchroom boss has clarified that ‘AJ’ would kick off the discussion with other fighters if the Wilder fight doesn’t come to fruition.

In pursuant to what Hearn said, per the latest report, as shared by talkSPORT‘s Michael Benson, the Joshua-Wilder could take place at either Las Vegas or Wembley. Additionally, the fight date, in all likelihood, might get postponed to March or April next year. And if that’s not enough, Anthony Joshua might go in for a third bout by December, and Deontay Wilder could follow suit and get in the ring by November.

Probably, pieces of the puzzle are gradually falling into place. Early this year, Eddie Hearn mentioned how the year was planned for Anthony Joshua. Making a solid return after two consecutive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk was pertinent for the Watford-born boxer. But whether he should dive into big fights immediately for comebacks? As it panned out, Joshua moved from one fighter to another, honing his skills under the watchful eye of Derrick James. Hence, that could explain the move to the next level of boxers; sitting at the top echelons appears to be in the offing.

Read More: “You Came With Nothing”: Eddie Hearn Shares Sadhguru’s Profound Thoughts on Life

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