It’s no secret that Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder are on a collision course that’s now fast reaching its end.
The two former champions have frustratingly failed to make a fight happen for years, despite it being, at one stage, an undisputed affair.
Now both without belts and taking separate paths back to the top, they fight on the same card on December 23. Joshua faces Swedish southpaw Otto Wallin whilst Wilder takes on former world champion Joseph Parker.
Should they win, it’s understood that the boxing businessmen in Saudi Arabia are set on staging the long-awaited transatlantic clash.
ESPN’s Mike Coppinger is now reporting that the fight, presuming they’re both victorious this month, is set for March 9.
Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder have a deal in place for a March 9 fight in Saudi Arabia, sources tell ESPN.
The former heavyweight champs compete in separate bouts Dec. 23 and they must win to keep the bout intact. Joshua fights Otto Wallin while Wilder faces Joseph Parker. pic.twitter.com/8PrZrfHJ9Q
— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) December 13, 2023
Some in the sport believe Joshua intended to instead pursue the IBF world title that is expected to become vacant after Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk face off for the undisputed crown.
A win over Wallin puts ‘AJ’ in line for a shot at the belt against number one ranked Filip Hrgovic, and it’s a route both he and promoter Eddie Hearn have shown interest in.
However, this news seems to confirm that the mega-money and intrigue of the Wilder bout will be the stronger magnet for the Brit, and puts even more at stake for both fights on December 23.
There’s unlikely to be a solid confirmation until both Wallin and Parker get their chance at ruining the tentative plans.