Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren has called for an all-British heavyweight encounter between former unified heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua [26-3] and Daniel Dubois [19-2] as an alternative to the former unified champion facing Deontay Wilder [43-2-1].
The comments come from Warren after he cast doubts on an expected heavyweight showdown between Joshua and Deontay Wilder, previously WBC world heavyweight champion. Negotiations between the fighters and Saudi entity Skill Challenge Entertainment have seemingly hit an impasse.
Last month, Skill Challenge was in London and was present ringside to witness Joshua secure a seventh-round stoppage victory over Robert Helnius at London’s 02 Arena. Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn, at the time of Joshua’s contest with Helenius, confirmed that the Saudi promotional entity was present and that discussions would be taking place with Joshua to finalise terms between Joshua and Wilder.
The contest had previously been touted to be held in Saudi Arabia in December but, in recent weeks, had been rumoured to now take place in early 2024.
However, the changing management and business leadership in regards to boxing and entertainment within Saudi Arabia has left a contest between Joshua and Wilder in doubt.
Warren, who co-promotes WBC world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury alongside Top Rank, will be present in Saudi Arabia next month as Fury contests a non-title bout against Francis Ngannou.
Speaking to IFLTV, Warren is convinced that a bout between Joshua and Wilder will not happen due to their unrealistic purse demands playing a factor in the ongoing delays of finalising a deal between all parties.
“The Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua situation, I know their people had conversations and thought that it would happen, but I never thought it would happen, and it’s not,” Warren told IFL TV.
“The problem is, the amount of money they felt they were going to get paid or they heard they were going to get paid, they’re not going to achieve that anywhere. That’s not going to happen. What we’re hearing from Matchroom is every other week or every two weeks, they were going to announce it. We are now hitting mid-September. It ain’t going to happen.”
Frank suggests that Joshua faces Dubois, claiming it is a big fight and lucrative option for Joshua to consider if the contest with Wilder collapses due to the lengthy delays.
“I’ll tell you a good fight if that doesn’t happen. You know what would be a good fight in the UK and people would buy tickets to watch it and we’ll see who is the biggest puncher and who has got the biggest heart? Him [Joshua] and Daniel Dubois. That would sell out anywhere. Before you start your hate, that would determine who has got the biggest heart, who would grit their teeth. You can’t say it’s not going to sell. It would sell. It’s a big fight.”
