Eddie Hearn CONFIRMS Anthony Joshua has received offer to play Deontay Wilder in Saudi Arabia in December after turning down Tyson Fury showdown
- Eddie Hearn says they got an offer from Skill Challenge Entertainment
- However, Hearn made it clear that they were not contracted for the fight
- Hearn responded to Frank Warren’s comments about AJ’s fight with Wilder
Eddie Hearn says Matchroom has received an offer from Saudi Arabia’s Skill Challenge Entertainment for Anthony Joshua to fight Deontay Wilder in December.
However, Hearn clarified that Matchroom had not received a contract for the fight – which is scheduled to take place in the Middle East.
Hearn said they are waiting for the contract to be sent, but insisted he was not worried as he had dealt with the Saudis before and was confident of fighting with them.
Responding to Frank Warren’s claims, AJ’s fight with Wilder was far from over, Hearn said IFL TV: “We have an offer without a contract. So we have to wait for that contract.’
Hearn continued, “We have to wait for that contract, but remember that Frank Warren never quarreled with Saudi Arabia. I’ve done two fights.’
Hearn says they received an offer from Skill Challenge Entertainment for AJ vs Wilder
However, Hearn clarified that Matchroom had not been contracted for Joshua’s (right) fight with the Bronze Bomber (left)
Hearn responded to Frank Warren’s claims that AJ’s fight with Wilder was far from complete
A fight between Joshua and Wilder – both regarded as one of the top four heavyweight fighters in the world – would likely be a lucrative prospect for all involved.
The 33-year-old returned to the ring in April after a seven-month absence with a unanimous decision victory over American heavyweight Jermaine Franklin at the O2 arena.
The win was AJ’s first career since his second consecutive defeat to the WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight world champion, Oleksandr Usyk.
However, AJ’s clash with Franklin ended the game. The judges scored the bout 118-111, 117-111, 117-111 in favor of the former two-time world champion.
As a result, Hearn thinks Joshua would benefit from one more fight under his new trainer Derrick James before taking on The Bronze Bomber.
That’s why Hearn is looking to rematch Dillian Whtye for September – three months before his December fight with Wilder.
Joshua and Whyte last fought in December 2015, with AJ coming out victorious via technical knockout in the seventh round.
Joshua defeated Jermaine Franklin in April 2023 at the O2 Arena via unanimous decision
However, he would benefit from another fight under trainer Derrick James (left) before facing Wilder in December. Therefore he could play Whyte in August
Joshua and Whyte last fought in December 2015, with AJ coming out victorious via technical knockout in the seventh round (above)
Many boxing fans believe Whyte is on the decline, having been knocked out by Alexander Povetkin and Tyson Fury in two of his last four fights.
What’s more, some believe Whyte actually lost his fight to Franklin – with the American claiming he was ‘robbed’ by the British judges.
However, Hearn insists the appetite is there for the fight and claims that AJ will return in their fight later this summer.
Joshua then returns to the ring to take on Wilder in Saudi Arabia, earning another big payoff in the Middle East.
More to follow…