This weekend Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder will both be fighting different opponents in Saudi Arabia. On March 9th they will be returning to the country to face each other according to reliable reports.
It is rare for elite heavyweight boxers to book multiple fights. But the Saudi Arabians are changing the game and according to Dan Rafael both Wilder and Joshua have agreed to fight three times in the country.
Source: Joshua, Wilder agree to ALL terms on 2-fight deal, contracts expected to be signed ahead of their Saturday bouts on #DayOfReckoning. Read my story for details & sign up for my #boxing newsletter: https://t.co/w7go9iOrPo @Turki_alalshikh pic.twitter.com/qu5LgfiTU9
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) December 20, 2023
Non title
The first fights are this weekend. Joshua has already fought in Saudi Arabia twice but is currently without a title after suffering back to back losses to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022.
He faces Joseph Parker in non title 12 rounder at the Kindgom Arena in Riyadh. This outdoor venue is normally used for football and is home to Al-Hilal, the team that Brazilian star Neymar currently plays for.
Wilder is also without a title since his loss to Tyson Fury. The hard hitting American has been matched with Joseph Parker, a New Zealander who has been in with some top tier heavyweight opposition.
“You put a lot of pressure on this man. I wish you’d back off until he fights.” 🗣
Deontay Wilder believes too much is expected of Anthony Joshua, but he doesn’t feel sorry for him 👀#DayOfReckoning | Saturday | TNT Sports Box Office & DAZN PPV | @Turki_alalshikh pic.twitter.com/IxPTvfC1pQ
— Queensberry Promotions (@Queensberry) December 20, 2023
All the belts
Under normal circumstances Wilder and Joshua would both believe they are just one win away from a heavyweight title shot. But the titles in the division all belong to two men and they are already booked to face off in Saudi Arabia next year.
Oleksandr Usyk holds the WBA, IBF and WBO belts while Tyson Fury has the WBC strap. The two men face off in Riyadh on February 17th in the biggest heavyweight title unification fight in decades.
The best heavyweights in boxing are becoming used to fights in Saudi Arabia. Usyk beat Joshua there last year while Fury is coming off a win over Ngannou with both men winning by split decision.
The winner of the fight between Joshua and Wilder should be in pole position for a shot at either Usyk or Fury. That promises to be another big heavyweight fight and it would be a surprise if Saudi Arabia didn’t host it.
