Deontay Wilder’s manager offers update on heavyweight ‘mega-tournament’

Talks are under way over a Saudi Arabian double-header, which would pit Wilder against Anthony Joshua, and Tyson Fury against Oleksandr Usyk

Deontay Wilder’s manager has offered an update on a rumoured heavyweight ‘mega-tournament’, which could take place in Saudi Arabia in December.

Amer Abdallah, a key figure in Saudi boxing, confirmed on Wednesday (19 April) that talks have begun over an event that could pit Wilder against Anthony Joshua on the same night as a potential Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk bout.

Wilder’s manager Shelly Finkel has now discussed the possibility, telling Sky Sports: “Deontay has wanted to fight Joshua for a long time, and of course he is willing to fight him in Saudi Arabia.”

American Wilder, 37, last fought in October, knocking out Robert Helenius in Round 1 to bounce back from his second straight loss to Tyson Fury.

Wilder retained the WBC heavyweight title against Fury with a controversial draw in 2018, before losing the belt to the Briton via TKO in 2020. Wilder then suffered another stoppage loss to the undefeated Fury, 34, in 2021.

Fury was recently in talks to fight Usyk, to crown an undisputed heavyweight champion, but negotiations collapsed in March. Unified champion Usyk, 36, is now expected to defend his titles against Daniel Dubois, though talks of a tournament in Saudi Arabia have reignited hopes that fans will see Fury vs Usyk.

Unbeaten Usyk became unified champion by outpointing Joshua in 2021, and the Ukrainian retained the titles against the Briton with another decision win last August.

Joshua, 33, last fought on 1 April, beating Jermaine Franklin on points in London.

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