Two-time former unified world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua‘s clash with Deontay Wilder may not see the light of day as Wilder’s team members are ‘optimistic’ a deal can be agreed for a fight.
The British star stayed on course for a huge clash against Wilder after an explosive knockout of Robert Helenius in the seventh round on Saturday night at The O2. The American also defeated Helenius in his most recent bout in October last year.
Saudi Arabia is the expected location for Joshua vs Wilder, with a date and venue yet to be confirmed.
Wilder’s manager Shelly Finkel told Sky Sports: “I am optimistic that a deal can be made for Deontay to fight Joshua in early 2024.”
Anthony Joshua says he was boxing “like a game of chess” against Robert Helenius and did not want to trade from the opening bell just to please the fans
Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk had also held talks for an undisputed world title fight in the Middle East at the end of the year but were unable to finalise terms.
Daniel Dubois and Oleksandr Usyk faced off ahead of their heavyweight fight
Reports had even suggested that Joshua vs Wilder could even be scheduled on the same bill as Fury vs Usyk in Saudi Arabia.
Fury has instead secured a fight against Francis Ngannou, a former UFC champion, in Saudi Arabia on October 28.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
