The heavyweight boxing landscape remains fixated on the potential clashes between Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Deontay Wilder, with promoter Eddie Hearn continuing to navigate a complex path towards securing a bout between Joshua and Wilder. Despite ongoing negotiations and tentative agreements, the future of these matchups remains uncertain, complicated by other fights and potential contractual obligations.
Hearn recently outlined his vision for Anthony Joshua, a plan he himself described as “deluded” yet ambitious. The core of this plan centers on Joshua defeating both Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury to become the undisputed heavyweight champion. Hearn expressed this belief to Talksport, stating, He’s gonna knock out Deontay Wilder and then he’s gonna knock out Tyson Fury. He’s gonna become the undisputed heavyweight world champion, and then we’re gonna sail off into the sunset.
This bold prediction underscores Hearn’s unwavering confidence in his fighter, even as the path to achieving such a feat appears fraught with obstacles.
Currently, terms have reportedly been agreed upon for a December fight between Joshua and Wilder in Saudi Arabia. However, Hearn acknowledged the possibility of Wilder pursuing a fight in November, potentially delaying the Joshua matchup until March. Should that scenario unfold, Las Vegas and Wembley Stadium have been floated as potential venues for a March showdown. This highlights the fluid nature of negotiations and the multiple contingencies being considered.
The situation is further complicated by Fury’s upcoming bout against former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in October, also in Saudi Arabia. Notably, Fury will not be defending his WBC title in this contest, raising questions about the prioritization of this fight versus potential unification bouts with Joshua or Wilder. This decision has drawn criticism from some corners, but Fury appears focused on this challenge.
Hearn’s pursuit of a Joshua-Wilder fight is not new. He has consistently sought to make this matchup happen, recognizing the significant commercial and sporting appeal of a clash between the two power punchers. However, Wilder’s contractual obligations, particularly his rematch clause, have often presented hurdles. As reported in , Wilder’s manager indicated a strong desire for a Joshua fight, but the WBC had ordered Wilder to face Andy Ruiz Jr. In a final eliminator for Fury’s title, potentially delaying any Joshua encounter.
Looking back, Hearn has previously expressed skepticism about Fury’s ability to defeat Wilder. In , he suggested Fury might attempt to avoid a defeat against Wilder. More recently, in , Hearn revealed details of past negotiations for fights involving Joshua, Fury, and Wilder, highlighting the complexities and frequent breakdowns in discussions. He stated that he still hopes AJ can fight Tyson Fury in .
The dynamic between Fury and Wilder is also a key factor. Hearn has been critical of Fury’s fighting style, predicting that Wilder would eventually knock him out. He stated, I think it’s gonna be a terrible fight and I think he’s gonna stink the place out. I do think he’ll get knocked out.
This assessment, made prior to Fury’s recent fights, reflects Hearn’s belief in Wilder’s punching power and his doubts about Fury’s ability to withstand it.
Fury himself appears eager to engage with both Joshua and Hearn, recently stating, Joshua, Hearn the clock is ticking. I have Wilder crying like a little Girl
. This statement, while lacking specific details, suggests a sense of urgency and a willingness to move forward with negotiations. It also indicates a degree of confidence in his ability to handle both Wilder and Joshua.
The recent form of both Joshua and Wilder is also relevant. Joshua last fought in August, securing a knockout victory over Robert Helenius, although that result was later tainted by Helenius testing positive for a banned substance. Wilder’s last fight was in October , also a knockout win against Helenius. Both fighters will be looking to build on these performances and demonstrate their readiness for a high-stakes matchup.
The potential for a Joshua-Fury fight remains a significant draw for boxing fans. However, the numerous obstacles – including Wilder’s contractual obligations, Fury’s non-title fight against Ngannou, and the complexities of promotional negotiations – make it far from a certainty. Hearn’s continued efforts to secure a Joshua-Wilder fight represent a crucial step towards potentially unlocking a series of blockbuster heavyweight clashes, but the path forward remains uncertain and dependent on a multitude of factors.
the next few months will be critical in determining the future of the heavyweight division. The outcomes of Fury’s fight against Ngannou, the progress of negotiations between Joshua and Wilder, and the decisions made regarding rematch clauses will all shape the landscape and determine which fighters ultimately compete for the top honors.
