The road is apparently eventually clear for Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua to face off.
This battle of the two former heavyweight world champions has been a long time coming, and has lost little intrigue even despite neither man now holding a title.
With Saudi Arabia now interested in making it happen and willing to pay each man a substantial amount, suddenly it seems any previous obstacles have been flattened.
The general consensus is the winner will go on to face the winner of a four-belt bout between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, but more realistic fans are dubious.
Speaking to ES News, the last undisputed heavyweight champ, Lennox Lewis, made a firm pick for knockout artist Wilder to win.
“Joshua against Wilder? Definitely Wilder.
Wilder’s got that thing in him where he wants to hurt you and I’ve seen it every time he throws that right hand, he’s trying to damage you with that right hand. He’s throws it with intention.”
The video was shot back in September of 2022, meaning a few fights have passed.
Wilder has knocked Robert Helenius out in one round, whilst Joshua has decisioned Jermaine Franklin and then achieved the same against Helenius but in seven.
The nature of their activity between then and now likely means Lewis’ prediction remains the same, but there is something to say about the American’s inactivity and whether or not he goes straight in with Joshua.
In fact, a lot remains to be decided for the fight. Representatives for Saudi Arabia’s boxing arm were in London to witness Joshua’s latest win, and the bout is now expected to be signed for early 2024.
An initial date of December this year was first pushed back to January, and now there are reports saying March may be more likely.