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
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.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.
Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments