Despite claims throughout 2023 that a fight between Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder had been all but agreed, it has become clear in recent weeks that the pair will not be locking horns in Saudi Arabia, as had been advertised.
As such, Wilder is likely not to box at all this year, much to the frustration of his trainer Malik Scott.
Scott told ESNews he was “frustrated” with the situation and compared it to the 1990s heavyweight dust up that got away between Riddick Bowe and Lennox Lewis.
“I wouldn’t even depend on those guys. Updates in boxing really don’t mean s***, until you see them in the ring.”
“I’m not going to act like I’ve got some updates or got some news just to look cool, or whatever. Really, I’m just as frustrated as the casual fan is.”
“One, because I want the best for Deontay. Two, because I think these two should have been in the ring already. And three, because I want them both to earn high revenue and get that superstardom.”
“When things like this happen, it automatically makes me think here we go with the Riddick Bowe and Lennox Lewis effect. A fight that’s supposed to happen, is not going to happen.”
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has claimed he is having talks with other international sites in attempt to revive the fight, after Skills Challenge Entertainment from Saudi Arabia pulled the plug on their involvement in boxing.
However, fight fans could be forgiven for resigning them to the fact they may not ever see Joshua and Wilder square off.