On two separate instances this week, both promoter and fighter ― Eddie Hearn and Anthony Joshua respectively ― have unveiled Deontay Wilder as Joshua’s primary prospective opponent. Though there appear to be no official negotiations as of yet, both Joshua and Hearn have confirmed that they are looking to match-up with Wilder upcoming December.
While talking to Boxing King Media, Eddie Hearn clarified the decision for Anthony Joshua (25-3, 22 KO’s) to fight in December, rather than in the Summer of this year.
“AJ wants to fight in the summer. We want him to fight (then).” Hearn explained. “But, at the same time, he’s being spoken to about potential fights with Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury in December where may be the people involved in those fights don’t want him to have another fight, and contractually (he) might not be able to.“
Contrary to what he stated above, Hearn would go on to say that there had been no official negotiations between Joshua’s team and Deontay Wilder’s (43-2-1, 42 KO’s) ― which doesn’t explain choosing not to fight in September, if the talks between both teams hadn’t yet been official.
“There have been no negotiations, at all, about this fight. But I’m flying out this week, because there have been some discussions.” Hearn continued.
“I’ll tell you now, subject to the deal, AJ will fight Deontay Wilder or Tyson Fury in December, no problem at all.“
Hearn’s words suggest a lot of risk is being taken by him and Anthony Joshua by not having an easier ― perhaps even tune-up ― fight in the Summer leading up to a potential super fight in December. This for just the possibility of facing either Tyson Fury (33-0-1, 24 KO’s) or Deontay Wilder in the latter month of the year.
According to Hearn, Joshua apparently will not take a fight in the Summer because of the assumption that the stakeholders who are interested in setting up a fight between the two would prefer not to see him fight in the Summer as anything could happen; i.e. injuries, losses etc. The stakeholders have been confirmed to be promoters from Saudi Arabia, specifically boxing promotion Skill Challenge Entertainment which is headed by Amer Abdallah ― a former kickboxer, now the chairman of said promotion.
Skill Challenge is best known for having delivered the rematch between Oleksandr Usyk (20-0, 13 KO’s) and Anthony Joshua ― and the bout between Tommy Fury and Jake Paul, and seem to be aiming to deliver money-spinning bouts between the best competitors in boxing. Despite having only organized two fights, Skill Challenge seem determined to turn Saudi Arabia into a ‘Mecca’ of boxing, the same way the Middle-Eastern country itself has been turned into the epicenter of Islam.
Aside from Hearn’s revelations, Anthony Joshua seems to already believe the negotiations with Wilder are already a foregone conclusion, given his most recent statements during in a meet-and-greet (of sorts) with fans.
“It’s public news, we’re throwing it in December.” Anthony Joshua responded in an Instagram video on whether he would fight Deontay Wilder.
In Deontay Wilder’s case, both him and his trainer, Malik Scott, have not shied away in their interest in facing Anthony Joshua this year.
“We got a lot of different options right now at this moment in time. Joshua, everybody, I think a lot of people are going to get that dream fight everyone wants to see.” Wilder said during a recent interview with IFL TV.
Malik Scott also hinted at a Joshua fight but seemed purposefully vague to keep the suspense.
“(I) just look forward to big things happening over there.” Scott told Boxing King Media when asked about the prospect of Wilder facing Joshua.
“Last time I said something was going to happen, the Gypsy got on it and said it was bull crap, but then literally the next day, the same news came out.
“One thing I do know for sure, Deontay is ready, I’m ready, we’re preparing for pre-camp, and you know, big things are coming. And, Saudi Arabia is definitely in the mix.” Wilder’s head trainer confidently asserted.
