Deontay Wilder Confirms Multi-Fight Contract With Saudi Arabia
Deontay Wilder has confirmed that he will be fighting in Saudi Arabia moving forward.
The Bronze Bomber is currently preparing to face the former WBO heavyweight champion of the world, Joseph Parker, on December 23rd, 2023, in Saudi Arabia. On the same card, Anthony Joshua takes on Otto Wallin. And if both boxers come through their next fight, there is an expectation that Wilder and Joshua will face each other.
The only place that would be capable of providing huge purses to satisfy the fighters would be Saudi. Therefore, Wilder’s commitment to fighting in the region bodes well for the biggest fights being made. Outside of Joshua, there has been talk of Wilder facing Francis Ngannou. The latter’s stock rose massively following his performance against Tyson Fury on his boxing debut.
The former UFC heavyweight champion dropped Fury in round three, and he continued to come forward until the final bell. Although he lost via a split decision, there were plenty in the boxing and MMA community who felt he had been deprived of a win. So, moving forward, a fight with Ngannou could also play out now that Wilder has aligned himself with the Saudis.
Wilder Signs With The Saudis
“The timing (of an Ngannou fight) is gonna be a little tricky. [This is] because of what we have going on with Saudi. I just signed a contract with Saudi. An amazing contract with Saudi. Exciting contract with Saudi. I-can’t-mother-f—ing-wait contract with Saudi.
“So these next few fights are going to be with Saudi. After this we’ll see what happens. But I’m just happy right now to be a part of what’s going on in the boxing industry. I’m looking forward to the future,” Wilder said
And by the looks of it, Wilder’s comments are positive in light of Eddie Hearn’s following statement. The Matchroom Boxing promoter doubled down on his belief that the AJ-Wilder fight would happen. This followed after WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed that a Joshua and Wilder fight could be for a WBC title eliminator.
Wilder Vs. AJ
That would put the winner in line to face either Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk, depending on who comes victorious on February 17th, 2024, and in any subsequent rematch. And with Fury, Usyk, Joshua and Wilder now all working with the Saudis, things are looking good for those mega fights.
“We’re full steam ahead trying to make the Wilder fight and a WBC final eliminator, if that’s what it’s called, but I’d just call it the biggest fight in boxing. When that fight happens, and the only way that fight happens is if they both win on December 23rd on the same card, if they do win on the same card on the same night, that fight is the biggest fight in boxing,” Hearn stated
One problem that could arise is who would be the A-side in negotiations. However, with the Saudi’s ability to offer fixed purses, as shown in the Fury-Usyk negotiations, those pitfalls can be avoided. And that is only good for boxing fans moving forward.
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