The long-awaited heavyweight clash between Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder is finally on the horizon, tentatively scheduled for March 9, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This bout, eagerly anticipated for over half a decade, stands as a testament to the adage “better late than never”. However, before they can step into the ring in Riyadh, both Joshua and Wilder have significant hurdles to overcome in their fights on December 23rd. Wilder (43-2-1, 42 KOs) faces Joseph Parker, while Joshua must best Otto Wallin to keep the March showdown on track.
Financial details of the Joshua-Wilder fight are under wraps, but insider Mike Coppinger hints at a lucrative payday from Saudi sponsors. The stakes are high, with the victor set to face the winner of the Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk fight in what promises to be a monumental heavyweight contest. Many argue that Joshua vs. Wilder might even overshadow the Fury-Usyk bout in terms of sheer excitement and entertainment value.
However, this matchup comes with its share of skepticism. The boxing community has heard whispers of this fight for years, mainly from AJ’s promoter, Eddie Hearn. Both Joshua and Wilder, no longer in their prime, have seen a dip in their competition level, with Wilder's infrequent fights and Joshua’s struggles post-Usyk. This match won't necessarily determine the division's best, but it will definitively settle who is the superior fighter between the two at this stage of their careers.
Adding to the complexity, the fight has been delayed multiple times, fueling doubts about its fruition. Both heavyweights, carrying years of wear and tear, face the challenge of staying fit and victorious in their upcoming December bouts. The Joshua-Wilder saga, a topic of discussion since 2018, suffered a setback when Joshua lost to Andy Ruiz in 2019. Despite Joshua avenging his loss, a direct setup with Wilder never materialized.
Wilder, showing a hint of sportsmanship, expressed his views on Joshua’s upcoming fight: “If Joshua enters with confidence and focus, I see him winning. But any distraction, especially about me, could spell trouble.” Both fighters acknowledge the importance of their December bouts in paving the way for their March encounter. Wilder, while acknowledging the possibility of facing Francis Ngannou, remains focused on the immediate future, stating, “Whether it’s one of them or both, I’m ready for whoever steps into the ring with me.”
Image Credit: DAZN