The long-awaited clash between Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder could finally be on the horizon, according to the latest comments from Eddie Hearn. The boxing promoter has revealed that he is heading to Saudi Arabia next week to speak with the Bronze Bomber about a potential fight, which is rumoured to be taking place in the Middle East later this year.
Both fighters have hinted at a December bout in Saudi Arabia, with Joshua returning to the ring earlier this month to win against Jermaine Franklin, following two previous defeats to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022. Wilder, on the other hand, emerged victorious against Robert Helenius last October, after losing twice to Tyson Fury in 2020 and 2021.
Hearn’s comments come after Wilder’s agent, Shelly Finkel, confirmed the American’s interest in fighting Joshua in Saudi Arabia: “Deontay has wanted to fight Joshua for a long time and of course is willing to fight him in Saudi Arabia,” he told Sky Sports.
While both fighters have shown their respect for each other, Joshua is confident in his ability to come out on top in what is expected to be a tough battle: “It’s going to be a tough fight but I am confident in myself. I’m a better, more well-rounded athlete, a better, more well-rounded fighter.”
Wilder, too, is optimistic about the fight and has promised something special for his fans: “Let’s make it happen. I’mma give Saudi their first knockout victim. Any Wilder fight you can expect that, but this one’s gonna be real special. I’ve got something special that I’m gonna put on the punch with this one.”
For boxing fans around the world, an announcement on this much-anticipated fight cannot come soon enough. But with Hearn heading to Saudi Arabia to speak with Wilder, it may only be a matter of time before the details are confirmed.
