Deontay Wilder confirms date is agreed for Anthony Joshua fight

18 December 2023 , 11:13

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Deontay Wilder confirms date is agreed for Anthony Joshua fight

Deontay Wilder has confirmed a deal is in place for a huge heavyweight clash with Anthony Joshua.

Wilder and Joshua must overcome Joseph Parker and Otto Wallin respectively this weekend in Saudi Arabia if they are to finally touch gloves in the ring. The rivals have been on a collision course since they held the four world titles between them, but could now meet to determine Tyson Fury's next challenger.

The fight has reportedly been pencilled in for March 9 in Saudi Arabia, just three weeks after Fury takes on Oleksandr Usyk in their undisputed fight in the Middle East. And Wilder has revealed he is ready to put pen to paper for a fight against Joshua.

"I'm ready, willing and able to do whatever the Saudis have planned," he told Instant Casino. "I like what I've been hearing and I like the structure. One thing that's been refreshing working with them is they've got the time, they’ve got the dates, they’ve got the locations, and they have configured how much they're going to pay you, and as a fighter to have a schedule, oh my god that's a beautiful thing. We don't ever get time, place and person and this is the money you're going to receive.

"I don't see anything stopping this fight happening between me and AJ at this time. I don't know all the plans that are ahead, but what I've seen so far and as of right now, there's nothing stopping it. The only thing that could potentially stop it is either one of us losing on December 23. That's the only thing I can see stopping it.

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"Other than that, everything else that stopped it happening before like his manager and promoter, I don't think that problem exists at this moment in time. Everyone is in agreement and was on board last time I spoke with everyone. If and when we both win on December 23, you all can look forward to a great 2024, Wilder versus Joshua."

But Wilder also warned Joshua he won't have it all his own way against Wallin on Saturday. “Otto Wallin has got a huge chance to upset the fight," he added. "Everyone has got a chance, it depends what dog they bring to the fight and how hungry he is on the night, even Parker, he has a great deal of a chance, no matter how hard I hit, or what I possess. He has as much chance as I. Because I still have to perform and bring my training and preparation."

Martin Domin