Boxing: Joshua, Wilder Match Close On Agreement

Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed that Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder is close to being finalised.

Hearn is holding meetings with Saudi Arabian promotional outfit Skills Challenge Promotions and Wilder’s representatives next week in London to close the deal.

Joshua and Wilder are expected to square off in Saudi Arabia in December while Skills Challenge are also planning to play host to Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk’s long-awaited undisputed fight on the same card.

Speaking to the media, Hearn said: “We’re looking to stage meetings in London next week to finalise the deal. We believe in Prince Khalid and Skills Challenge in terms of their desire to make the fight. It’s always slow but next week there are meetings in London to close the deal for Joshua-Wilder.

“Usyk’s in obviously, Wilder has never made that kind of money, he’s in. Skills Challenge know the money we’ve made to fight Ruiz and Usyk. So, if they bear that in mind we’re in and then there is Fury and I can’t speak for Fury but I think if the money’s right then I’m sure he’s in. But what’s the right money? I’m sure everyone has their different ideas,” he added.

Wilder and Joshua have had multiple attempts to stage a fight between the pair fall through in the past.