EDDIE HEARN HINTS AT AUGUST MEGA FIGHT BETWEEN JOSHUA, WILDER IN SAUDI

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Boxing Promoter Eddie Hearn hinted that a rumoured fight between Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder could be close to materialising, after positive talks last week.

Joshua has been linked with fights against both Wilder and Dillian Whyte this summer, with an agreement with the latter seemingly signed and finalised over a bout after weeks of negotiations.

However, despite removing the one-way rematch clause – which had infuriated Whyte, Hearn said he didn’t think AJ would fight Whyte, suggesting that his prize fighter was far from short of potential opponents.

Joshua last fought in April, when he secured a unanimous points victory over American Jermaine Franklin, but has been keen to step back in the ring this summer, with August 12th the date picked out for his next fight.

The British promoter hinted that fans could be treated to a mega fight that has long been anticipated between two of the division’s leading stars, with Wilder among those linked with a meeting with Joshua this August.

“We’ve been setting deadlines, extending deadlines, to get things done and we wanted to announce today, but it’s very likely Monday or Tuesday could be an announcement,’ the Matchroom promoter told Boxing News.

“I still don’t think it’ll be Dillian Whyte. We’ve removed what I thought was the issue from the negotiations, namely the rematch clause, which he was very outspoken about but we still haven’t got that over the line, and there are other guys who are ready to sign.

“Obviously with our meetings with Saudi on Friday, Thursday, we’re in a really great place we virtually have a deal agreed in principle subject to a few final discussions.

“We’re meeting them again on Monday. I think we’re in a good place but we want to fight on August 12th, and it’s important to his development and his momentum that he does and that’s still the plan.”

According to reports from earlier in July, an all British affair could be in the offing with claims that an agreement had been reached between Joshua and Whyte.

It was also reported that the agreement was reached on Sunday, with an official announcement likely to follow in the coming weeks.

However, Hearn’s comments have seemingly dealt that prospect a blow, causing more confusion regarding Joshua’s future.