Eddie Hearn has revealed that meetings with Saudi Arabia representatives alongside Deontay Wilder’s team regarding an Anthony Joshua fight are happening in London to ‘finalise terms.’
The two former world champions have been on a long and frustrating collision course, but the intervention from the Middle East and its deep pockets look set to make the fight happen – albeit for no world title.
It’s targeted for December or January, and will likely be a career-high purse for both fighters.
Speaking to Boxing Social, Hearn revealed he would be having in-person meetings with all involved this week.
“We have meetings tonight and tomorrow with Saudi representatives to try and close AJ against Deontay Wilder. Wilder’s team are also in London, which shows you the keenness to get that done.”
“We hope that we can agree terms while they’re here. Finalise the money and move forward with that fight. As I said, Wilder’s team are here as well – that’s very encouraging. We all want to make the fight … You may find that we agree terms by [next week], contractually I’m not sure it will be signed by then.”
“We do want to fight August 12 – I think that’s important for [AJ]. They’d probably prefer we didn’t fight, but hoping to get both over the line ASAP.”
That August 12 bout still has the potential to be Dillian Whyte, with Hearn and the team recently removing a rematch clause from the contract that was a sticking point for the Brixton heavyweight.
Wilder is in his own negotiations with Andy Ruiz Jr, however, like the AJ-Whyte talks, it’s nowhere near nailed on to happen.
Should both stay loss-free, the Saudi mega-fight looks very likely.