Joshua vs Wilder deal agreed with date reported, but both must win next fights

A date for Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder has reportedly been agreed, which will see the rivals fight in Saudi Arabia.

However, both men must first win their fights next weekend in order to confirm the long-awaited heavyweight showdown.

After the already-signed Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk undisputed clash had to be pushed back from December 23rd to February 17th, 2024, due to Fury's tough ten-rounder with Francis Ngannou, boxing chiefs in Saudi Arabia decided to push ahead with a different show on that date.

Next weekend will now play host to Joshua vs Otto Wallin and Wilder vs Joseph Parker as part of a huge heavyweight card.

According to ESPN journalist Mike Coppinger, a deal is in place for Joshua and Wilder to meet on March 9th, so long as they both emerge victorious next weekend.

Representatives for Joshua and Wilder initially agreed terms over the summer for a fight in Saudi Arabia this December.

However, this fell through following a switch in the landscape of boxing in Saudi, with the new entity in charge headed up by His Excellency Turki Alalshikh instead prioritising Fury vs Usyk.

Now, it's reported that the long-awaited showdown is finally agreed, with just the December 23rd hurdles left to clear before it is officially finalised.

Both men do not have easy fights next week.

Joshua takes on Wallin, who recently triumphed over Murat Gassiev and has only lost to Tyson Fury, severely cutting the 'Gypsy King' in the September 2019 showdown.

Wilder faces former world champion Parker, who was outpointed by AJ and also lost to Dillian Whyte and Joe Joyce.

AJ and Wilder will fight on the same card on December 23rd and then meet on March 9th if they win.

Fans will be hoping to see both make it through unscathed to set up the March super fight.

Talksport