An Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder fight could be classed as a WBC title eliminator.
That is following the updated rankings within the WBC. Prior to this happening, Wilder was expected to face Andy Ruiz Jr. in a title eliminator. However, both sides could not agree upon the purse splits. Wilder’s team had offered a 70-30 split. Meanwhile, Ruiz was demanding 50-50. Ultimately, the fight did not get made as the WBC scrapped the eliminator. In response, Joshua has now moved up to second in the rankings, meaning that he could face Wilder for the right to face Tyson Fury.
Nevertheless, the talks over a fight with Joshua have frustrated Malik Scott as Wilder’s trainer has expressed the idea of being left in the dark. Despite continuous links with Saudi Arabia, an official offer has not been made. This is even though Eddie Hearn has repeatedly stated that terms have been verbally agreed. And yet, Hearn has now urged some caution moving forward by indicating that plans are in place if a Wilder fight does not get over the line.
Hearn Cautions That Joshua Will Not Wait Forever For Wilder Fight Contract https://t.co/UWadLTNIbP pic.twitter.com/03wYG2hdwV
— BoxingScene.com (@boxingscene) September 11, 2023
“We’ve agreed the money, we’ve agreed everything. We’re waiting on the official contract, but we won’t wait forever. He [Joshua] 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,” Hearn
However, that uncertainty has left Scott feeling increasingly frustrated.
“It’s a real frustrating frustration, because to me, out of everybody, Deontay is the one, as far as activity, is the one that misses out. It’s a lot of promises, but it seems the promises are being broken a little bit. But we’ll see,” Scott