Joshua and Wilder share the same card in Saudi Arabia this weekend (Picture: Getty)
Deontay Wilder has confirmed a deal is in place for a long-awaited heavyweight clash against Anthony Joshua in 2024.
The long-time rivals share a stacked card in Saudi Arabia on Saturday with Joshua in action against Otto Wallin. Wilder meanwhile takes on former world champion Joseph Parker.
Both fighters have been on collision course since 2018 when the Briton first became unified WBO, WBA and IBF heavyweight champion but a deal for them to meet in the ring was never struck.
Despite both men losing their world titles since, the intrigue over one of the biggest fights in the sport remains with Saudi boxing officials making no secret of their desire to finally stage Joshua vs Wilder in 2024.
Reports last week suggested a date has been pencilled in for 9 March back in Riyadh, just three weeks after Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk fight to crown the division’s undisputed world champion in February.
The winner of Joshua vs Wilder will hope to be next in line to challenge the sole world champion with Wilder confident there is now a clear route in place.
‘I’m ready, willing and able to do whatever the Saudis have planned,’ Wilder said. ‘I like what I’ve been hearing and I like the structure.
Joshua must first beat Otto Wallin (Picture: Getty)
‘One thing that’s been refreshing working with them is they’ve got the time, they’ve got the dates, they’ve got the locations, and they have configured how much they’re going to pay you, and as a fighter to have a schedule, oh my god that’s a beautiful thing. We don’t ever get time, place and person and this is the money you’re going to receive.’
Wallin and Parker will be intent on wrecking those plans this week but should Wilder and Joshua come through unscathed on Saturday night, the American sees nothing standing in the way of their showdown.
Joseph Parker looking to ruin those plans when he takes on Wilder (Picture: Getty)
‘The Bronze Bomber’ has previously accused Joshua’s team, chiefly promoter Eddie Hearn, of blocking efforts to get a deal over the line but insists ‘everyone is in agreement’ to finally deliver.
Speaking to Instant Casino, he continued: ‘I don’t see anything stopping this fight happening between me and AJ at this time.
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‘I don’t know all the plans that are ahead, but what I’ve seen so far and as of right now, there’s nothing stopping it. The only thing that could potentially stop it is either one of us losing on December 23. That’s the only thing I can see stopping it.
‘Other than that, everything else that stopped it happening before like his manager and promoter, I don’t think that problem exists at this moment in time.
‘Everyone is in agreement and was on board last time I spoke with everyone. If and when we both win on December 23, you all can look forward to a great 2024, Wilder versus Joshua.’
MORE : Don’t sleep on Joseph Parker, he could ruin plans for Deontay Wilder vs Anthony Joshua
MORE : Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder agree deal to fight on 9 March if they come through December tests
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Both men have business to take care of first this weekend…