Wilder’s manager confident of Joshua fight

Deontay Wilder’s team are ‘optimistic’ a deal can be agreed for a mega-fight with Anthony Joshua.

The British heavyweight stayed on course for a showdown against the Bronze Bomber after a seventh-round knockout of Robert Helenius on Saturday night.

American Wilder also defeated Helenius, aged 39, in October last year.

Former two-time heavyweight world champion Joshua now has his sights set on facing Wilder in Saudi Arabia in January next year.

Wilder’s manager Shelly Finkel told Sky Sports, “I am optimistic that a deal can be made for Deontay to fight Joshua in early 2024.”

Deontay Wilder believes Anthony Joshua’s knockout victory over Robert Helenius was ‘needed’ in the build-up to their likely January super fight in Saudi Arabia, according to his head coach, Malik Scott.

Joshua beat Helenius in the seventh round with a devastating right hand and he is expected to take on Wilder next, though their showdown in the Middle East has not yet been confirmed.