At this moment, heavyweight contender Deontay Wilder believes a long-awaited showdown with Anthony Joshua will certainly happen – and he says the only thing that can stop their fight is a loss, by either, on Saturday night in Saudi Arabia.
Joshua will face Otto Wallin in the main event, with Wilder appearing in the co-main in a battle of former world champions against Joseph Parker.
A Joshua vs. Wilder clash is slated to land in the first quarter of 2024.
Wilder is taking part in only his second fight since 2021. He had a single round of action back in October of 2022, when the big puncher blasted out Robert Helenius in one.
After years of failed discussions, Wilder feels a showdown with Joshua is closer than ever.
“I’m ready, willing and able to do whatever the Saudis have planned. I like what I’ve been hearing and I like the structure. One thing that’s been refreshing working with them is they’ve got the time, they’ve got the dates, they’ve got the locations, and they have configured how much they’re going to pay you, and as a fighter to have a schedule, oh my god that’s a beautiful thing,” Wilder said to Instant Casino.
“We don’t ever get time, place and person and this is the money you’re going to receive. I don’t see anything stopping this fight happening between me and AJ at this time. I don’t know all the plans that are ahead, but what I’ve seen so far and as of right now, there’s nothing stopping it. The only thing that could potentially stop it is either one of us losing on December 23. That’s the only thing I can see stopping it.
“Other than that, everything else that stopped it happening before like his manager and promoter, I don’t think that problem exists at this moment in time. Everyone is in agreement and was on board last time I spoke with everyone. If and when we both win on December 23, you all can look forward to a great 2024, Wilder versus Joshua.”