Reports suggest that a deal has been struck for Anthony Joshua (21-0-0, 20 KO’s) to face Deontay Wilder (40-0-0, 39 KO’s) in an undisputed World heavyweight title showdown in U.K.
After a protracted, very-public negotiation between the two camps, WBC World champion Deontay Wilder’s manager Shelly Finkel has revealed that ‘The Bronze Bomber’ has accepted terms from promoter Eddie Hearn for a two-fight deal.
“We have agreed to the terms that Eddie has put out to us for a fight in the U.K.” said Finkel to ESPN.
“Deontay has accepted his terms to fight in the U.K. Deontay sent an email to Joshua (Sunday) night and I sent one today to Barry Hearn and Eddie telling them that we officially accept the offer to fight under the terms they gave us and to send us the contract.” said Finkel.
Little further details are known about the match-up, but Finkel would go on to reveal that the rematch would take place back in the United States.
With WBA/WBO/IBF champion Joshua rumoured to have been sealing a deal to face Russian WBA mandatory challenger Alexander Povetkin, the reports from Finkel will no doubt shock boxing fans worldwide.
While it is unclear as to whether the bout will come next for either man – or whether they will square off in early 2019 – there appears to have been a notable breakthrough, potentially bringing an end to stand-off between the two camps.
Wembley Stadium, the scene of Joshua’s titanic eleventh round stoppage win over Wladimir Klitschko, would seem to be an obvious choice to host such an event; while Joshua’s two most recent bouts have taken place at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.