By: Sean Crose
Those seeking to see a heavyweight throwdown between former supersize champions Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder won’t wish to maintain their breath. Although the concept of the 2 heavy hitters getting it on within the ring is actually interesting to followers, there’s no escaping the truth that fashionable boxing generally is a bureaucratic spider net. Sure, 2023 has been a banner 12 months for the game – one properly value celebrating, little question – however main bouts stay difficult to make. And Joshua-Wilder is nothing if not a serious bout. “It’s slow,” Joshua promoter Eddie Hearn instructed DAZN of the continued talks. “I won’t lie.”
Still, the Matchroom honcho got here throughout as remaining comparatively assured. “Obviously it’s a massive fight and these things take time,” mentioned Hearn. “Everything is kind of agreed other than the signing of the paperwork. We know that takes time, especially in that part of the world.” By that a part of the world, Hearn was referring to Saudi Arabia, the place the struggle would – not less than as issues stand – doubtless happen. Hearn could also be affected person, however he additionally made it clear that Joshua needs again within the ring sooner quite than later.
“For me the biggest concern,” Hearn mentioned, “is AJ needs to struggle in December or January, we all know the Wilder struggle just isn’t going to occur in December so we’re completely happy to attend till January, but when that struggle begins pushing again to February or March, don’t be shocked if he nonetheless indicators for that struggle however has one other one in between. He’s loving the exercise in the intervening time.
The heavyweight division is, sadly, a multitude nowadays. With Oleksandr Usyk holding three of the 4 main titles, the need for an undisputed heavyweight champion is nice. Yet WBC and lineal titlist Tyson Fury is presently set to battle former UFC heavyweight kingpin Francis Ngannou. Suffice it to say Ngannou has by no means fought in knowledgeable boxing match earlier than. As the previous saying goes, cash talks, and Fury-Ngannou will little question usher in fairly a bit of cash. Joshua nevertheless, goals to maintain shifting ahead.
“He’s loving being in training camp,” mentioned Hearn. “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 Usyk and 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.”
