Eddie Hearn reveals Anthony Joshua could fight before Deontay wilder as negotiations stall

Joshua's Potential December Fight

Eddie Hearn has given an update on Anthony Joshua's next fight, stating that the British boxer could be back in the ring as early as December. Despite ongoing negotiations for a highly-anticipated grudge match with Deontay Wilder, talks have slowed down due to Wilder's desire for a warm-up fight.

Delays in Joshua vs Wilder Showdown

While a clash between Joshua and Wilder was tentatively scheduled for January, negotiations have hit a roadblock. Hearn admitted that signing the necessary paperwork is taking longer than anticipated, especially given the complexities of the situation. The biggest concern for Joshua is his desire to fight in December or January, which is unlikely to happen with the Wilder fight. As a result, Joshua may consider another fight before facing Wilder.

Potential Tick-Over Fight

Hearn acknowledged that Joshua would welcome a tick-over fight before the much-anticipated face-off with Wilder. Despite Joshua's eagerness to face Wilder, he is currently enjoying being in training camp and working with coach Derrick James. Hearn emphasized that their main focus is on finalizing the Wilder fight, but they are open to other possibilities.

Conversations with Usyk and Fury

Hearn mentioned the possibility of extending conversations to include boxers Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury. There is a chance that all three fighters could be on the same card in the future, creating an even more exciting fight night. Hearn expressed confidence in Wilder's readiness for the bout and stated that they are in a good place in terms of negotiations.

Joshua's Recent Victories

Since his back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk, Joshua has bounced back with two impressive wins. His most recent victory over Robert Helenius showcased his explosive power and solidified his status as one of the top heavyweight contenders.