Boxing fans have a lot to watch out for this year as a four-man heavyweight tournament will most likely take place in Saudi Arabia in December this year. As per reports, this event would feature the likes of Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, Deontay Wilder, and Anthony Joshua.
Oleksandr Usyk has already signed the contract with Skills Challenge and is set to participate in that tournament. Meanwhile, Wilder’s coach Malik Scott has confirmed that the former champion’s team is in talks with the promotion. Similarly, there is a positive update from Eddie Hearn’s side who is the promoter of Anthony Joshua.
Eddie Hearn confirms Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder clash in Saudi Arabia
Earlier this week, Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn sat down with representatives from Skills Challenge and had a long discussion about the tournament. After the meeting, the British promoter gave an interview to Boxing News where he confirmed that the matchup between Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder is virtually done,
“Obviously, with our meetings with Saudi on Friday, Thursday. We’re in a great place with them. We virtually have a deal agreed in principle, subject to a few final discussions on stuff. They’re staying. We’re seeing them on Monday. I think we are in a good place. But we want to fight on August 12th and it’s important to his development and his momentum that he does. And that’s the plan.”
.@EddieHearn says a #JoshuaWilder deal is now "virtually agreed in principle".
Watch here: https://t.co/vx73qEBnte pic.twitter.com/rrIJPGOePl
— Boxing News (@BoxingNewsED) July 2, 2023
According to AJ’s plan, Dillian Whyte seems to be the target fight for August 12th as the latter is still a big name in the division. Moreover, this matchup could help Joshua to remove all the ring rust and be ready for the Wilder bout in December.
Boxing community shares their doubts about Eddie Hearn’s confirmation about the Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder fight
Many fans want to see Anthony Joshua square off against Deontay Wilder and it’s been five years since these two rivals have been linked to fight each other. However, every time there was a dispute in negotiations and the matchup could not materialize. But this time around, Eddie Hearn has given the green signal and confirmed that Joshua vs Wilder will take place in December in Saudi Arabia.
Despite the recent statement of the British promoter, fans are skeptical. Consequently, the boxing world has shared their doubts on social media. Here are some tweets from people who do not believe Eddie Hearn, and are waiting for the official announcement.
Unfortunately I can’t believe it until it’s signed sealed delivered
— joe (@Hitower11Joe) July 2, 2023
Nothing is official, but good news is it’s all agreed, we’ve spoken, we even had lunch with the Saudis. Hearn has a egg McMuffin while the king had a Big Mac. We discussed details of the plans, now we have to look for a venue, and things are looking shabby.
— Dartanyan Eight 🦑 (@DartanyanEight) July 2, 2023
Despite the doubts of fans, the chances of this matchup taking place this time around is much higher as both the boxers are not champions and the winner could earn a shot at the heavyweight gold.
