22 October 2023 , 19:12
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Anthony Joshua has confirmed that there are plans for him to fight Deontay Wilder as part of a titanic double bill in Saudi Arabia, though it is not expected to be staged until April.
If the proposal goes through, the bout would take place on the same evening as Tyson Fury's blockbuster fight against Oleksandr Usyk, after terms were agreed last month. A deal has also been put in place for Joshua to battle Wilder, but a date for either fight has not been agreed as of yet.
Speaking at the United States Formula One Grand Prix, Joshua told BBC Sport: "They want to put Usyk-Fury, Joshua-Wilder on the same night. That might not happen until April. "When Fury gets through Ngannou, it is going to be late October, early November, so I doubt he will now prepare for Usyk and fight in December, it's too short.
"So the next window will probably be in March-April, so that's probably when the undisputed fight will potentially happen. Then obviously what we are being told is they want to make it a mega card and they like the sound of Joshua v Wilder on the same card as well."
Fury is set to face ex-UFC world heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday, and the 35-year-old must come through that fight unscathed before a date is agreed for his bout against Usyk.
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As for Joshua, he is also expected to fight in December after knocking out Finn Robert Helenius in the seventh round at the O2 Arena in August. His possible opponent has been announced yet, however.
Anthony Joshua has hinted at fighting Deontay Wilder (Getty Images)Joshua added: "It will be in London, probably at the 02 or Wembley Arena. It won't be a championship fighter - which is Usyk and Fury. It won't be none of them guys and I am not too sure about the Wilder situation."
When specifically quizzed about fighting Wilder, Joshua responded: "Why not? It feels like a land grab. Some fighters want to maximise their revenue. When I first started, you start, you build up your record, you fight and then you fight the big fights.
"But it is like, 'Where can we get the most money for the fight?' And they want to go to Saudi Arabia so they are waiting for the undisputed fight."