Deontay Wilder is in danger of missing out on a massive fight with Anthony Joshua if the former world heavyweight champion doesn’t hand in his paperwork.
Despite doubts over the venue, Promoter Eddie Hearn has accused Wilder of stalling on a contract to face Joshua. WBN understands that Saudi Arabian investors are losing interest in staging the fight, leaving both sides with a massive headache.
However, with a deal agreed upon, Hearn and Joshua want to get it signed so they can then arrange the formalities of hosting.
“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.”
Deontay Wilder vs Anthony Joshua
On Josuha heading into any Wilder fight with two poor victories [against Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius] under his belt, Hearn added: “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.”
Despite the doubts over his future, Wilder insisted during the summer that he would fight many times before he retires at 40. The soon-to-be 38-year-old is still being labeled semi-retired by some fans, media and rivals.
This is because “The Bronze Bomber” has been out for another year and only fought twice since February 2020.
Promises
“When you’re in the business that I’m in, you’re going up against someone with power. You worry about the consequences that will happen,” Wilder told Frenzee Broadcasting on YouTube.
“Money is good, but you got to enjoy it. I will bless the world my last three years with some of the best fights they have ever seen. [I’ll fight] The people they want as long as they don’t run.”
That promise has seriously failed to materialize, with many asking what Deontay Wilder is waiting for – as his career winds down.
