Anthony Joshua, the TWO-TIME heavyweight champion, finds himself taking a significant risk as he puts his projected N45.5 billion payday for a December clash against Deontay Wilder in Saudi Arabia on the line. This precarious situation arises due to his upcoming bout against rival Dillian Whyte in August. Following fruitful discussions held in London with representatives from Saudi Arabia and Wilder’s camp, Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, made the announcement confirming the finalization of a deal for the highly anticipated heavyweight super fight. However, there is a crucial stipulation attached to this agreement: Joshua must emerge victorious in his impending match against Whyte. The official confirmation, which was released on Thursday, underscores that Joshua will first face Whyte in a rematch eagerly awaited by fans, scheduled to take place on August 12. It is essential to comprehend that the much-anticipated Wilder deal could collapse entirely if Joshua fails to secure a triumph in his upcoming bout against Whyte.
Eddie Hearn, in an interview with TalkSPORT, provided insights into Anthony Joshua’s upcoming fights and the negotiations surrounding them. Hearn disclosed that Joshua has secured a highly anticipated clash against Deontay Wilder scheduled for December, with recent meetings held in Saudi Arabia to discuss the details. Recognized as one of the biggest fights in boxing, the Joshua-Wilder bout carries immense significance.
Despite having the Wilder fight locked in, Joshua expressed a desire to have an interim fight. He has been training under the guidance of Derrick James and insisted on facing Dillian Whyte in this interim matchup. Hearn further explained that the discussions with the Saudi Arabian officials made it clear that the deal for the Joshua vs. Wilder fight would not remain intact if Joshua were to lose against Whyte.
Interestingly, Hearn revealed that there was a strong recommendation against Joshua fighting Whyte, as the Saudi organizers conveyed the message, almost imploring him not to engage in the bout. They emphasized that Joshua did not need to take the risk, given the already confirmed fight with Wilder on the horizon. However, Joshua remained resolute in his decision and insisted on facing Whyte.
This revelation highlights Joshua’s determination to test himself against formidable opponents and his unwavering commitment to facing Whyte despite the potential risks involved. It also sheds light on the complex negotiations and considerations surrounding the world of professional boxing, where fighters must navigate strategic choices and contractual obligations while striving to satisfy their own aspirations and maintain their position at the pinnacle of the sport.
More about the match
Following Joshua’s victorious return to boxing in April, where he emerged triumphant over Jermaine Franklin at the renowned O2 Arena, speculation has intensified regarding his upcoming opponent. While expressing his interest in a showdown with Wilder, Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, believes it would be advantageous for the heavyweight champion to engage in another fight under the guidance of trainer Derrick James. Hearn, renowned for his astute analysis, acknowledges the excitement surrounding a potential rematch with Whyte, emphasizing the anticipated intensity of their clash. Negotiations for a highly-anticipated December bout in Saudi Arabia between Joshua and Wilder are already in progress, with Hearn confidently asserting that the requested financial terms are well within reach. In a conversation with Samina For Sale, Hearn delves into the prospects of the Saudi Arabia deal, drawing upon the triumphs of past fights, including the memorable encounters against Ruiz and Usyk, as a testament to the potential success and excitement that a Joshua-Wilder showdown in the Middle East could bring.
Eddie Hearn, the prominent boxing promoter, places significant emphasis on the necessity of securing the highly anticipated Wilder fight as a top priority, strategically working backward to determine Joshua’s opponent for his upcoming August battle. While Hearn finds the idea of a clash with Whyte intriguing, he acknowledges the inherent risks associated with facing such a formidable adversary prior to a potentially career-defining match against Wilder.
Despite concerns raised regarding Whyte’s recent performances, including knockout losses against Alexander Povetkin and Tyson Fury, there exist individuals who question Joshua’s victory over Franklin, with the American fighter asserting that he was unfairly “robbed” by the British judges. Consequently, boxing enthusiasts and critics alike argue that Joshua should contemplate facing formidable contenders such as Otto Wallin, Filip Hrgovic, Andy Ruiz Jr, Zhilei Zhang, or Luis Ortiz before stepping into the ring against Wilder in December. The aim is to further solidify Joshua’s skills and ensure his readiness for a monumental clash against one of the sport’s most renowned figures.
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