Shelly Finkel, co-manager of heavyweight contender Deontay Wilder, says his fighter would be willing to travel overseas to face fellow former world champion Anthony Joshua in 2023.
In a recent interview, Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn revealed that Joshua’s next fight would potentially take place in Saudi Arabia – with Wilder and WBC world champion Tyson Fury as the two target opponents.
Joshua saw action earlier this month, with a twelve round unanimous decision over Jermaine Franklin. The win snapped a two-fight losing streak at the hands of Oleksandr Usyk.
Wilder saw action last October, when he wiped out Robert Helenius in one round. The victory snapped Wilder’s two-fight losing streak at the hands of Fury.
Joshua was expected to return to the ring the summer, but the British star took to social media to indicate that his next fight would not take place until the month of December.
Is Joshua’s next fight is heading to Saudi Arabia, Wilder has no issue with facing him there, says Finkel.
“Deontay has wanted to fight Joshua for a long time and of course is willing to fight him in Saudi Arabia,” Finkel told Sky Sports.
Retired heavyweight Malik Scott, who trains Wilder, believes the dangerous puncher would take down Joshua in three rounds.
Wilder was expected to take part in a final WBC eliminator against Andy Ruiz. Those negotiations have stalled for the moment.
Joshua’s next opponent was due to be a rematch with domestic rival Dillian Whyte. They collided back in 2015, with Joshua winning by knockout in seven rounds. While Whyte’s name is still being mentioned as a frontrunner for Joshua’s next outing, Fury and Wilder are increasingly being mentioned by Joshua’s handlers.
Credit: BoxingScene