Eddie Hearn expects a deal between Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder to be finalized in the next three weeks at the latest.
Immediately after Joshua stopped Robert Helenius in the seventh round, a fight with Wilder was being discussed.
The ‘Bronze Bomber’ had also stopped Helenius, but in more impressive fashion, with a first-round stoppage.
But given that Wilder has not fought in around a year, getting a fight with Joshua next may not be the wisest move.
However, Wilder’s team have indicated that the boxer is keen for a fight before he faces Joshua. But in the meantime, Hearn has indicated that all the pieces are in place for an agreement.
“[I think it will be finalized in] two or three weeks. I’ve been to Saudi Arabia twice to negotiate this fight. I’ve had two meetings, three meetings in London. I’m not doing it for banter. My instructions from Anthony Joshua [are] ‘I want to fight Deontay Wilder.’ The only way this fight doesn’t happen is if Saudi doesn’t deliver the fight.
“[Wilder manager] Shelly Finkel, Wilder, as far as I’m hearing from them directly, they are in. We are in. We just need to sign a contract and go through the procedures to get that done,” Hearn
Nevertheless, no formal offer has been sent to the fighters. And until there is something by way of a contract, Hearn is keeping his options open for AJ.
Joshua had already indicated that his intention was to fight three times this year, which is why a plan is in place if a Wilder deal cannot get over the line.
“If it doesn’t happen, I think [Joshua will] fight in December. But I’m not spinning that fight. All of our efforts have been for that fight,” Hearn