Anthony Joshua could fight Wilder-Fury winner in Saudi Arabia
It looks as if Anthony Joshua might return to the place where he regained his belts and restored his respect.
Talks are under way for Joshua to fight the winner of the Deontay Wilder-Tyson Fury rematch in Saudi Arabia, where he came back from a humiliating defeat in June with a one-sided decision over Andy Ruiz Jr. on Dec. 7 in Diriyah.
Joshua promoter Eddie Hearn told Sky Sports that they have an offer for a fight for the undisputed heavyweight title later in the year.
“We have a huge site offer in place for that fight to take place,’’ Hearn said Friday. “A big option. We have a partnership out there in Saudi Arabia.
“They put the money up for the Andy Ruiz fight. Everything they promised, they delivered. They want this fight bad, and when they’ve got that kind of attitude and mentality, it’s going to be difficult to beat.”
The Fury-Wilder rematch is scheduled for Feb. 22 at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand on Fox/ESPN+ pay-per-view.
“We have to try and make that happen,” Hearn said. “Right now, the fight that Anthony Joshua wants is the winner of Wilder and Fury.
It still looks as if Joshua next opponent will be Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev in mandatory defense for one of the UK heavyweight’s belts. Talks are ongoing.
“Pulev is the frontrunner,” Hearn said.
|
Anthony Joshua vs. Kubrat Pulev is another step toward reality, according to a report. The IBF has extended the deadline to Jan 31 for its heavyweight titleholder and mandatory challenger to reach a deal before it goes to purse bid, according to ESPN.com.
boxingjunkie.usatoday.com
|