Eddie Hearn has revealed that sporting movements in Saudi Arabia mean the Anthony Joshua-Deontay Wilder fight talks have slowed and has named potential opponents for AJ if a deal doesn’t materialise.
Much of the recent talk in the heavyweight division has been around the blockbuster clash between the two former champions, but earlier this week Shane Fury, brother of WBC champion Tyson, said the fight was ‘dead in the water’.
Speaking to Boxing King Media, Hearn reacted to those comments, admitting there had been a movement in the ownership of boxing in the region.
“I don’t know the political situation, obviously Shane Fury is working with the new entity so he’s going to be supportive of that and I’m sure we’ll work with that new entity as well, they do a great job.
For us, we’ve agreed terms for Joshua-Wilder but until we receive a contract the fight is not happening. Obviously politically it sounds like there is a lot going on but for us we’re ready to take that fight. Wilder’s team are ready to take that fight, everybody has agreed the terms, but until the money is put in place, the fight is not happening.
It doesn’t just have to happen in in Saudi Arabia, there are other talks about other countries it could take place in.
Regarding the comments I think there is some truth to it that there is a movement of management and ownership of boxing in Saudi and it’s up to them for what they want to do. If they don’t want to do Joshua-Wilder, maybe it goes somewhere else.”
Hearn went on to list two potential opponents for Joshua if the Wilder deal could not get over the line.
“If we don’t get something sorted soon we’ll probably see AJ fight in December at a level above where he’s been fighting because he wants to stay active. It’s frustrating because we’ve been waiting and waiting, we’ve been patient for them and we’ve agreed everything but now it’s slow.
Filip Hrgovic, Andy Ruiz, I don’t know, but it needs to be a step up.”
Hearn also went on to say that people shouldn’t be surprised if Joshua fought Fury early next year as that was ‘the biggest’ fight for both men.