Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder is edging closer with Matchroom Boxing boss Eddie Hearn is confident the pair will fight at the end of the year.
A fight between the two former heavyweight champions has been discussed in recent weeks for a historic event in Saudi Arabia which could also feature an undisputed fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. Skills Challenge Promotions are the frontrunner to host the bout, with the promotion previously stating Joshua's rematches against Usyk and Andy Ruiz Jr in the Middle East.
Hearn have a positive update about the negotiations in a recent chat with iFL TV as he said: “Subject to a formal contract being sent, we’re very confident that fight gets made. I can’t speak on behalf of Deontay Wilder, but I’m very confident that he Wilder will be accepting the money and the deal that comes through from Saudi Arabia.
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“For us, it’s making sure that all of our contracts are respected and that probably means a multi-platform deal around that night. Also it's subject to Tyson Fury, who has a deal with BT. From our point of view, we can’t breach our agreements, but I don’t think that it will be an issue. We have an offer without a contract. So we need to wait on that contract.”
Wilder and Joshua have been going back and forth about a potential fight since they both won world titles seven years ago, but a deal has never finalised for the hard-hitting duo. 'The Bronze Bomber' recently gave a positive update about the fight by admitting an offer has been sent to him and Joshua.
"The offer is definitely out there, the discussion has been talked and it's a real thing," Wilder told Mirror Fighting. "I think it definitely is going to take place, Saudi Arabia is a beautiful place to be, even though I know they get a lot of heat on the past activities that have went on in their country."
Wilder has never fought in the Middle East, but the former champion did recently fly over to Riyadh to watch Tommy Fury and Jake Paul's fight in February. Wilder added of the nation: "They're serious, they're legit about what they'll do and what they're trying to do. If they do what they're trying to do, that's going to be the next big place to fight at."
