Anthony Joshua has reportedly reached an agreement with Deontay Wilder for their much-anticipated heavyweight fight, News About Nigeria understands.
However, while this is exhilarating news for their supporters, the challenge of a suitable venue has emerged. Promoter Eddie Hearn, who has long publicized the matchup, now faces the challenge of securing a location that will accommodate the teeming population that will attend the fight.
Hearn had previously collaborated with Saudi Arabia for Joshua’s rematches against Andy Ruiz Jr and Oleksandr Usyk, but those connections have now collapsed.
He remains optimistic about the progress made so far in negotiations, stating, “We’ve agreed the money. We’ve agreed everything. We’re waiting on the official contract but we won’t wait forever.”
While time is fast ticking, the fight remains quite a dilemma for both parties. Hearn has acknowledged that Joshua is ready to step into the ring with Wilder early next year, while he is also exploring the possibility of keeping Joshua active before the end of the year.
He remarked, “He [Joshua] is just training away but he wants Wilder. If it can’t be made, he wants to stay active. If he fights in December, that’ll be three fights in eight months which is incredible for him.”
“There’s Filip Hrgovic and there’s Andy Ruiz Jr,” Hearn added, stating that Joshua is willing to face strong opponents in the absence of Wilder. He further revealed that none of these bouts will take place on British soil.
Joshua has had two fights at The O2 Arena this year and is now seeking to explore the possibilities of fighting in a new environment, with Hearn hinting on Madison Square Garden. “Maybe we go to Madison Square Garden, somewhere in the Middle East. It’s just about activity for him.”
