Eddie Hearn remains optimistic that the world could one day see Anthony Joshua face Deontay Wilder, but admits it would not take place any earlier than 2022.
Joshua and Wilder appeared to be on collision course a few years ago, but the American instead faced Tyson Fury twice while accusing AJ of ducking him.
However after Fury blasted Wilder in Round 7 of their second bout a year ago, Wilder let slip that it was he who chose not to pursue the Joshua option in favour of "The Gipsy King".
Joshua's promoter Hearn was one of the first to pounce on the accidental confession of "The Bronze Bomber" but the Matchroom Boxing chief still believes AJ vs. Deontay would be big business if Wilder returns to the ring and gets a rehab win or two.
"If it's the right fight for AJ, not stylistically, but if it's the right commercial fight," Hearn told Sky Sports about the possibility of pursuing the match-up again.
"Listen, Deontay Wilder knows he turned down the deal of a lifetime to fight Anthony Joshua, but he made his bed and respect to him. I want to see him back in the ring.
"All we're focusing on is the Tyson Fury fight, and anything else happens in 2022, because those two fights will be our plan for 2021."
Hearn also recently listed Wilder vs his other British heavyweight charge, Dillian Whyte, as a good fight for this year. First, Whyte must avenge his Fight Camp loss to Alexander Povetkin in order to save his world title aspirations."For me, I would like to see Dillian Whyte fight Deontay Wilder, but he has to deal with Povetkin," reiterated Hearn. "Focus on the now, focus on the reality, and Deontay Wilder, I'm sure he'll be in big fights but for us, we know our plans for 2021."
Whyte vs. Povetkin 2 takes place on March 6 and airs live on DAZN in many countries across the globe (Sky Box Office in the UK). Wilder has yet to confirm a return opponent after suffering his first professional defeat to Fury.