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Topics: Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder, Boxing
Nasir Jabbar
Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder have a 'deal in place' to fight in a blockbuster showdown but under one condition.
Joshua and Wilder return to action on December 23 in separate bouts on the stacked 'Day of Reckoning' card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Ahead of next weekend's fights, a date has been agreed for Joshua and Wilder.
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Per ESPN, a deal is in place for Joshua vs. Wilder to take place on March 9, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, but under one condition.
Both men must win their fights on Dec 23 to confirm the monstrous heavyweight clash.
According to ESPN's report: "The sides agreed on the money, sources said, but they both must come out victorious and uninjured in separate bouts Dec. 23 in Saudi Arabia's capital to finalise a bout that was first discussed in 2019."
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Joshua faces Otto Wallin, who gave Tyson Fury a scare in their 2019 bout, while Wilder takes on Joseph Parker, who has shared the ring with the likes of 'AJ', Dillian, Whyte, Derek Chisora and Joe Joyce, among others.
Speaking ahead of the report, promoter Eddie Hearn explained why both Joshua and Wilder are fighting on the same night in separate bouts.
"The reason that fight is happening with both on the same night is to prepare for and build a fight between the two," he said. "So, the contracts aren't signed, talks continue. But everybody wants to make that fight.
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"Everyone's saying, 'Well, why are you fighting a tough fight before Deontay Wilder?' That was the fight that was proposed to us from Saudi. Joshua's never turned down a fight. Wallin's been on our list for the last two fights.
"The only reason we haven't boxed him is because he's a southpaw. So, to fight a southpaw on six weeks' notice with a new trainer, not ideal, but [the Saudis] like the fight. They fancy the fight. Fingers crossed."