Shelly Finkel informed World Boxing News on Tuesday evening that a deal between Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua remains in the balance.
Eddie Hearn told WBN earlier in the day that a contract for Joshua to fight Wilder in the UK this year was in the hands of the WBC champion’s handlers.
Wilder’s advisor and co-manager Finkel had been expecting the paperwork to be sent from Matchroom’s Barry Hearn since Friday.
However, four days later was the date when confirmation was forthcoming.
Joshua vs Wilder update
Finkel said in an exclusive update: “We have received the contract and are reviewing it. We will update you in due course as to the next step.”
Receiving a contract could mean a Joshua vs Alexander Povetkin mandatory bout this fall is on hold. Joshua, the 2012 Olympic champion, focuses on unifying the division.
Wilder’s recent social media activity led many to believe a deal wasn’t imminent. But with a contract in possession of Finkel, boxing fans can keep their fingers crossed.
‘AJ’ was ordered by the WBA and WBO to battle Povetkin in September. That’s unless a deal could be reached with his arch-nemesis from across the Atlantic.
Contract
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed to WBN a contract had been sent on Tuesday. Wilder had stated he would sign immediately if the terms were as already stated.
The fact an immediate acceptance wasn’t forthcoming is not a cause for concern, according to Finkel’s words.
Initially turning down fifty million dollars in favor of taking on Wilder in the UK, Joshua has come good on his eventual promise to put a package together.
It will be an encounter against his most dangerous challenger.
Furthermore, all that’s missing is a signature from Wilder. That’s provided the Joshua vs Wilder deal is decent for the most significant top-division collision in decades.
Phil Jay is the Editor of World Boxing News. Follow on Twitter @PhilDJay
