As talks commence once again for a fight between Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder, Eddie Hearn has admitted to some mistakes in past negotiations.
The UK promoter, who has handled Joshua’s career ever since he turned pro, is back in discussions with Deontay Wilder’s manager, Shelly Finkel.
Despite the announcements that both men want to face one another in 2023, and potentially next, fans remain skeptical – a hangover from the fight failing to be made when they were champions.
Hearn has provided some hope, though. He told iD Boxing that the relationship was being mended.
“I’ve had a couple of very nice conversations with Shelly recently. I think we all made mistakes last time, and I’m not going to make that mistake again. So I’m saying nothing, but the communication lines are clear and open which is great news for everybody.
“I don’t know what’s next, but what I can tell you is the relationship and the communication is good enough to have hope.”
According to the Matchroom man, there was a lot to discuss before official talks about the fight begin – particularly his tendency to give up information during the many interviews he has.
“First thing’s first, there’s a lot of things that needed be cleared up between the two of us. I made mistakes. I was arrogant. I think he made mistakes. Maybe he said some things… I think we just got to a point where – he doesn’t need to grow up because he’s been in the game a long time – I probably did need to grow up a little bit.
And I think, hand on heart, I was probably sometimes speaking with my heart and my balls rather than my brain … The problem is with me is the amount of interviews I do. And all these guys, who don’t do the interviews like Shelly, will say ‘but every time we talk…'”
His newfound secrecy may not satisfy fans in the interim, but it looks like it will bode well for the fight to make progress behind the scenes.
“I’m saying nothing, other than the the air is cleared and we had some very nice conversations. Have no idea what’s going to happen, but at least now we have the ability now to pick up the phone and talk productively about the careers of our clients.”
‘AJ’ and ‘The Bronze Bomber’ present an intriguing match up – one which fans have asked for for years – and the sport would do well should the heavyweights meet sometime in 2023.