Former WBC world heavyweight champion, Deontay Wilder (43-2-1, 42 KOs), has indicated that he would be interested in facing long-time rival and former unified heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua (25-3, 23 KOs), according to the manager of Wilder, Shelly Finkel.
Speculation has been fueled by the promoter of Anthony Joshua, Eddie Hearn, who has stated that he would be interested in exploring opportunities for Joshua to face Wilder or WBC world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury (33-0-1, 24 KOs). Recent reporting has revealed that Joshua is most likely to return to the ring in December in Saudi Arabia, with Wilder’s name heavily linked as a possible future opponent.
Joshua recently returned to action earlier this month with a unanimous decision points win over Jermaine Franklin at the O2 arena in London. However, Joshua flattered to deceive and received criticism for his performance.
Wilder returned to the ring in October last year against Robert Helenius following his back-to-back defeats to Tyson Fury in their trilogy encounters. Wilder would secure a first-round stoppage against Helenius, re-establishing himself back in the WBC & WBA world heavyweight rankings.
Finkel spoke to Sky Sports and confirmed that his heavyweight client would be interested in facing the two-time former world heavyweight champion.
“Deontay has wanted to fight Joshua for a long time and of course is willing to fight him in Saudi Arabia.”
