Eddie Hearn has made a positive and exciting update on negotiations for a potential clash between Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder, confirming that both parties are onboard for a fight later this year.
This is a fight which boxing fans have been craving with both men known for their explosive knockout power inside the ring.
But while Joshua and Wilder no longer have world title belts to their name, a future meeting will still generate huge interest and likely bring the sporting world to a standstill.
Speaking to Boxing Social, Hearn revealed that talks are heading in the right direction and he expects Joshua to take a tune up fight before facing Wilder.
“We’re being told that Wilder’s in. And, subject to finalising some of the terms, we’re in. So, in his mind, he’s fighting Deontay Wilder in December. Once that gets papered, we then work backwards to the end of July or first week of August," Hearn said.
“I want him to fight. I think he wants to fight. I think Derrick James wants him to fight. So we’ve just to pick the right opponent, because what it is is really a preparation for the [Wilder] fight.
“My priority right now is secure the Deontay Wilder fight, and every other decision will stem off that.”
Joshua returned to winning ways last month when he beat America's Jermaine Franklin on points after back-to-back losses to unified world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.