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Joshua vs Wilder in Doubts - Eddie Names Two Possible Opponents For Anthony Joshua
Eddie Hearn recently provided insights into the current status of negotiations for the Anthony Joshua vs. Deontay Wilder fight. He revealed that discussions have slowed down due to changes in the sporting landscape in Saudi Arabia. Amidst this uncertainty, Hearn mentioned possible alternative opponents for Joshua. While the heavyweight division has been abuzz with excitement about the potential clash between Joshua and Wilder, Shane Fury, the brother of WBC champion Tyson Fury, expressed doubts about the fight's prospects, describing it as unlikely.
“I don’t know the political situation, obviously Shane Fury is working with the new entity so he’s going to be supportive of that and I’m sure we’ll work with that new entity as well, they do a great job. For us, we’ve agreed terms for Joshua-Wilder but until we receive a contract the fight is not happening. Obviously politically it sounds like there is a lot going on but for us we’re ready to take that fight. Wilder’s team are ready to take that fight, everybody has agreed the terms, but until the money is put in place, the fight is not happening. It doesn’t just have to happen in in Saudi Arabia, there are other talks about other countries it could take place in. Regarding the comments I think there is some truth to it that there is a movement of management and ownership of boxing in Saudi and it’s up to them for what they want to do. If they don’t want to do Joshua-Wilder, maybe it goes somewhere else.”In an interview with Boxing King Media, Hearn acknowledged the shifting dynamics in the ownership of boxing within the region. He also identified two potential opponents for Joshua if the Wilder deal failed to materialize.
“If we don’t get something sorted soon we’ll probably see AJ fight in December at a level above where he’s been fighting because he wants to stay active. It’s frustrating because we’ve been waiting and waiting, we’ve been patient for them and we’ve agreed everything but now it’s slow. Filip Hrgovic, Andy Ruiz, I don’t know, but it needs to be a step up.”Furthermore, Hearn hinted at the possibility of a fight between Joshua and Fury early next year, emphasizing that it would be the most significant bout for both fighters.
