In a recent turn of events, it has been revealed that Anthony Joshua’s team did not pursue a fight with Deontay Wilder, opting instead for a high-stakes bout with Tyson Fury. Shelly Finkel, Wilder’s manager, disclosed that Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, never reached out to discuss a potential matchup between the two heavyweight giants.
Speculation had been rife that Joshua might face Wilder before taking on Fury. However, the 36-year-old Wilder is now set to return to the ring against Kristian Prenga on July 25, before Fury faces Joshua in a highly anticipated November clash. Wilder had previously called out his long-time rival Joshua after his victory over Derek Chisora earlier this month. The two have been linked to a showdown since both held heavyweight world titles in 2018.
Finkel expressed his thoughts on the matter, stating, “There’s no disappointment in something that never was. Eddie never reached out to us, and it’s clear that Joshua had no intention of fighting Deontay Wilder. It’s the same old story, just a new date.”
Joshua and Wilder were initially slated to fight in March 2024, but Wilder’s loss to Joseph Parker in December 2023 derailed those plans. Joshua, who last fought in December with a sixth-round knockout of Jake Paul, has had a tumultuous start to the year. Just 10 days after his victory, he was involved in a tragic car accident that claimed the lives of two close friends and left him with minor injuries.
The announcement of the Joshua-Fury fight was made by Saudi Arabian boxing chief Turki Alalshikh, who confirmed the signing of the mega-fight on social media. Shortly thereafter, it was revealed that Joshua would return to the ring against the relatively unknown Albanian fighter, Prenga.
Joshua expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming bout, saying, “I’ve taken some time to consolidate and rebuild to be ready for stepping back into the ring, and today is the next step on that journey. I’m delighted to have agreed to a multi-fight deal starting with July 25th in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I’m looking forward to competing and picking up where I left off. As I said, the landlord will collect his rent. That is certain.”
Meanwhile, Fury has also made a successful return to the ring, overcoming Arslanbek Makhmudov on points after coming out of retirement earlier this year. Fury had called out Joshua, who was watching from ringside, and hinted that he might retire again if a bout with his rival did not materialize. However, his manager Spencer Brown revealed that Fury could fight again before facing Joshua.
As the boxing world eagerly awaits these high-profile matchups, fans can expect a thrilling year ahead in the heavyweight division.
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