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'We’ve agreed the money, we’ve agreed everything but we won’t wait forever' - Eddie Hearn Accuses Deontay Wilder of Stalling and Delaying the Potential Fight with Joshua
Deontay Wilder could miss out on a highly anticipated fight with Anthony Joshua if he doesn't submit his paperwork soon. Despite uncertainties surrounding the fight's location, promoter Eddie Hearn has accused Wilder of delaying the contract to face Joshua. Reports indicate that Saudi Arabian investors are losing interest in hosting the event, causing frustration for both camps. While a deal has been reached, Hearn and Joshua are eager to have the official contract signed so they can proceed with the necessary arrangements for the fight. Hearn stated:
“We’ve agreed the money, we’ve agreed everything,” Hearn told BBC Radio Five Live. “We’re waiting on the official contract, but we won’t wait forever. “He [AJ] is just training away, but he wants Wilder. If it can’t be made, he wants to stay active. If he fights in December, that’ll be three fights in eight months, which is incredible for him.”Addressing concerns about Joshua potentially entering a Wilder fight with two less-than-stellar victories against Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius, Hearn commented:
“People keep saying he should have one more fight and then fight Wilder, but we don’t think so. “If it ends up that way, so be it. Nothing would surprise me. If he fights in December, if he fights Deontay Wilder, if he fights Tyson Fury next – nothing would surprise me.” Asked who could replace Wilder if he doesn’t ink the deal, Hearn responded: “There’s Filip Hrgovic, and there’s Andy Ruiz Jr, but it probably won’t take place in this country. “He’s had two now on the spin at The O2 Arena, so maybe we go to Madison Square Garden, somewhere in the Middle East. It’s just about activity for him.”When asked about potential replacements for Wilder if the deal falls through, Hearn mentioned names like Filip Hrgovic and Andy Ruiz Jr. However, he hinted that the fight might not take place in the United Kingdom, considering Joshua's recent bouts at The O2 Arena. Alternate venues such as Madison Square Garden or locations in the Middle East are under consideration, with the focus being on keeping Joshua active. Despite uncertainties about his future, Wilder, who is approaching 38 years old, has expressed a desire to fight multiple times before retiring at age 40. However, he has been labeled semi-retired by some due to his limited activity, having fought only twice since February 2020. Wilder has promised to deliver exciting fights in his remaining years in the sport, but those promises have yet to materialize, leaving fans and pundits questioning what he's waiting for as his career winds down.
