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Eddie Hearn very confident on chances of striking Wilder vs Joshua agreement

Written by Keeran Rajan on 5th April 2018.

Anthony Joshua has made it his aim, since defeating Charles Martin for the IBF strap in April 2016 to become the undisputed world heavyweight champion.

He added the WBA and IBO titles to his collection when he overcame the challenge posed by the former longtime reigning unified world heavyweight kingpin for an entire era, Wladimir Klitschko in a monumental changing of the guard battle.

Last weekend he added the WBO world heavyweight title to his collection when he became the first man to defeat New Zealand’s Joseph Parker in the professional rankings.

Following making that title defence, Joshua made it readily apparent he wanted WBC heavyweight champion, Deontay Wilder next.

Following that Parker vs Joshua fight, it also became widespread fairly early in the week that Wilder had given the green light to seek a unification meeting with Joshua on British soil.

Wilder said earlier this week: “I accept that challenge and I am ready to come to the UK for my next fight.”

“There is nothing on Team Wilder’s side to prevent me from fighting you next.”

Eddie Hearn said that the early discussions have taken place and they have given him signs of encouragement. Hearn commented that he spoke both with Wilder’s manager, PBC mogul Al Haymon and US Television network Showtime.

“I saw Deontay Wilder’s Instagram post and it’s very confusing,” Hearn told Sky Sports.

“Whoever is supposed to be calling or emailing me needs to update their contacts because once again it was us initiating the conversation.”

“I called Al Haymon’s team yesterday and spoke with Showtime last night and discussions are ongoing.”

Hearn was quick to add a warning that the window to make Wilder vs Joshua is this year.

If not it is likely Joshua will not be able to appease the mandatory obligations of every title for much longer which would make the fight, not for the undisputed title.

“I have a meeting with Anthony [Joshua] and Trainer Rob [McCracken] tomorrow where we will map out the rest of 2018.”

“I will say it once again, the window for fighting Wilder is 2018, otherwise we will risk it not being an undisputed fight.”

Lastly, Hearn added that Joshua wants the fight and is very confident in securing an agreement.

“Anthony wants the fight and I’m very confident it will happen.”

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