Deontay Wilder’s manager, Shelly Finkel, has stated that their ideal next fight is Anthony Joshua.
One day not so long ago, the fight between the Brit and the American would have been for the undisputed heavyweight championship. Both men have tasted defeat since then, and are attempting to climb their way back towards the belts.
Wilder has been ordered by the WBC to face Andy Ruiz Jr to decide who is next in line for a shot at Tyson Fury’s belt, whilst Joshua is heavily expected to face Dillian Whyte in the first half of 2023.
Despite both having fights lined up in principle, Finkel is suggesting that Eddie Hearn, AJ’s promoter, get round the table and make the fight that fans have been calling for ever since both men were champions in the division.
The boxing manager told SunSport that they would rather that fight over Ruiz.
“We might fight Ruiz, because Joshua won’t fight us, but we will fight Joshua next.
“The biggest fight for either is with us, maybe in your area the biggest fight is Joshua versus Fury, but Fury is fighting Oleksandr Usyk next.”
“If Joshua is ready or willing to fight us next, that is what we want and we will give anything to fight him. This has been a five-year campaign and each time they always try to say we have avoided it.
“Right now is the 28th of November, we’re saying why not fight next? Let’s just make the fight.”
As for Joshua’s plans, Finkel diminished the idea of ‘AJ’ facing Dillian Whyte in an all-British rematch.
“If you’re telling us you want a fight first before us, then sign to fight after, let’s make a deal.”
“They want to fight Dillian Whyte, who yesterday was in a questionable win. The fight before that, he got knocked out, and two fights before that he got knocked out. How does the press and anyone else rationalise Joshua fighting someone like that in his next fight?
“And if they say, ‘We’re definitely fighting Deontay after’ why isn’t there an agreement done?”
It looks like the decision now lies with Joshua and Hearn as to whether negotiations begin. If they respond positively, fans may see one of the most intriguing match ups that can be made in the heavyweight division.