Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder blow as promoter hints at plan change amid ‘slow’ talks

It has been widely reported over the past few months that the dream fight between Joshua and Wilder could take place in Saudi Arabia either at the end of this year or start of 2024.

Joshua fought for the second time this year when he knocked out Robert Helenius via stoppage after seven rounds.

Wilder meanwhile has not stepped into the ring since he knocked out Helenius inside one round last October.

It has been suggested that Wilder will return to the ring in October. If he does, it will arguably not leave enough time spare for the Joshua bout to take place in December or January.

Hearn thinks they are in a “good place” regarding the Joshua-Wilder fight, but he has indicated that the Brit could “have another” bout before he faces ‘The Bronze Bomber’.

“It’s slow, I won’t lie,” Hearn said via The DAZN Boxing Show.

“Obviously it’s a massive fight and these things take time. Everything is kind of agreed other than the signing of the paperwork. We know that takes time, especially in that part of the world. 

“For me the biggest concern is AJ wants to fight in December or January, we know the Wilder fight is not going to happen in December so we’re happy to wait until January, but if that fight starts pushing back to February or March, don’t be surprised if he still signs for that fight but has another one in between. He’s loving the activity at the moment.

“He’s loving being in training camp, he’s loving working with Derrick James. But our full focus is to sign the Deontay Wilder fight. I’m not disappointed but we want to get it done.

“The conversations have to extend to [Oleksandr] Usyk and [Tyson] Fury, they could be on the same card - who knows?

“So there’s a lot of conversations to be had. I truly believe that Wilder is up for and ready for this fight. We’re in a good place."