Anthony Joshua will seek to add the WBO heavyweight title belt to his collection of unified WBA (Super), IBF, IBO world heavyweight titles when he takes on New Zealand’s Joseph Parker in his second consecutive fight at The Principality Stadium.
But looking past that fight, his promoter Matchroom mogul Eddie Hearn has suggested this could be the final time Joshua fights in 2018 despite it only being the first month of the year.
“This could be the last time [Joshua] fights in the UK in 2018,” Hearn told Sky Sports.
3 years ago today I silenced the critics and became the WBC Heavyweight Champion of the World. They didn’t think I could go 12. I went 12. They didn’t think I could take a punch. I took punches. I WILL become the UNDISPUTED heavyweight champion of the world. Like it or not. pic.twitter.com/XxwvRkTTFN
— Deontay Wilder (@BronzeBomber) January 17, 2018
“The Wilder fight could be in America. We want to fight Wilder before the end of the year.”
“Our plan is box three times this year – end of August or early September, then December.”
Additionally, Hearn shared there is absolutely no fear on Joshua’s team part to come and defend his titles on US soil.
“We’ve got a base in America already. We’d rather the fight was in the UK but we’re not bothered if it has to be in America. No problem.”
THIS JUST IN FROM PBC: Heavyweight Champ @BronzeBomber defends his WBC title against unbeaten Cuban contender @kingkongboxing March 3 at @barclayscenter. #WilderOrtiz
READ ?: https://t.co/B1T7op63u5 pic.twitter.com/yXKjntoetF
— Premier Boxing Champions (@premierboxing) January 12, 2018
“[It makes it] more difficult, because if you go to the negotiating table with three belts instead of one, then you want an increase in the pie,” Hearn said.
Lastly, Hearn paid credit to Wilder for taking what he believes is his first real test in his unblemished career which currently stands at 39 victories with all but one of those victories coming by way of knockout.
Half Human, Half Hybrid.
I am the Best everyone else is Just Average.#BombZquad #WilderVsOrtiz #Facts #TheRealistChampIonInTheBusiness pic.twitter.com/6vJInl6j96— Deontay Wilder (@BronzeBomber) December 29, 2017
“Wilder is in a real fight against Ortiz, and victory would give him more value than he has at the moment.
“We have to give respect to Wilder because he’s having a proper fight. I believe he will beat Ortiz. It depends (on) how he wins.”
“If he comes through a war, those fights can take a lot out of you. If he wins impressively, he sends out a good statement. Everyone is going in the right direction.”
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