Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder reportedly agreed for Mar. 9

13/12/2023 23:58

Anthony Joshua fights Otto Wallin next week, while Deontay Wilder meets Joseph Parker

The plan was obvious from the get-go, but now we have confirmation. Mike Coppinger reports that Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder, who share a card in Riyadh on December 23rd, have reached a deal to meet on March 9th in Saudi Arabia if both men emerge victorious.

That is, of course, far from a given. Joshua (26-3, 23 KO) still looks to be in something of an identity crisis and is up against Otto Wallin (26-1, 14 KO), who has a proven track record of throwing wrenches into prematurely arranged matchups. Wilder (43-2-1, 42 KO) likewise figures to have his hands full with Joseph Parker (33-3, 23 KO), who arguably has the best CV of any Wilder foe besides Tyson Fury.

Even after many years and some bad losses on both sides stripped away the luster, I'll admit to still wanting to see these two share a ring. Next to Fury vs Usyk, it remains the biggest and most lucrative fight the division has to offer.

Then again, I also love watching promoters' plans blow up in their faces, so I'm happy either way.