19 December 2023 , 12:44
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Deontay Wilder has accused Anthony Joshua and his promoter Eddie Hearn of running scared from a heavyweight showdown.
Wilder and Joshua seemed destined to meet when they held the four world titles between them, but a deal could never be reached. Wilder has accused Joshua of rejecting a $50million offer to put all four belts on the line during their respective reigns.
But a deal could finally be struck after this weekend, assuming Joshua beats Otto Wallin and Wilder sees off the challenge of Joseph Parker. Triumphs for both men in Saudi Arabia could lead to confirmation of a showdown back in the Middle East on March 9.
But Wilder is not convinced Joshua will agree to the deal - and doubts Hearn wants it either. "I don’t want to say he’s 100 per cent afraid, but I think he’s 75 per cent,” he told the BBC. "I’ve learned over the years, especially dealing in boxing, that nothing is for sure until it’s for sure. And I know that’s a little bit confusing, but what’s understood doesn’t have to be explained.
"We’ll see what happens. The future is bright and we are farther [in talks] than we’ve ever been in history. I can say that with certainty. Money hasn’t been the issue. It comes with [Joshua] not having the heart, the will, the courage to step in the ring.
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"I don’t really just blame it on Joshua. I blame it on his handlers, on his promotion and his management, because let’s face it: Joshua is the cash cow of the company; without him, no money is drawn into Matchroom. We all know that. Not only do I feel Joshua is intimidated of me, but I feel his promoter [Eddie Hearn] is as well. That’s why the fight hasn’t happened."
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Hearn, however, has previously said he expects Joshua to to take on Wilder, assuming he can navigate a way past tricky southpaw Wallin. Hearn said: “This is a tough fight. We saw (Wallin) against Tyson Fury, he’s a good southpaw and we have seen something different from AJ (Joshua). I think the best chapter is still to write for AJ. He changed the face of Saudi boxing and this is a challenge he wants to take.
“He wants to be heavyweight champion again and I think this will be a destructive performance from him. Wilder is potentially a massive fight to bring in 2024. This lines everything up for AJ and this lines up his whole career. I can’t wait to see him shine on December 23.”