As BoxingScene.com reported earlier, Anthony Joshua and his promoter Eddie Hearn are unconvinced that Deontay Wilder’s team have the $50 million that they are offering for a title unification.
Wilder, who holds the WBC world title, challenged Joshua - holder of the WBA Super, IBF, IBO and WBO titles - to the fight with both boxers guaranteed a 50-50 money split - and Joshua receiving $50 million guaranteed if the contest underperforms financially.
Hearn, however, said his team needs to be convinced the money exists.
“It’s not a case of we sign the contract and they go and raise the money. If you’ve got it - show us it and then we can talk,” Hearn said.
“I spoke to AJ, he knows the situation but we want to know if it’s real,” Hearn added. “We want to see the money and know where it is. There is a real strong chance this fight could happen - we’re not looking to be difficult.”
Shelly Finkel, who along with Al Haymon and Jay Deas are the co-managers of Wilder, has issued another letter to Hearn - making it clear that their offer is not a publicity stunt and making a further request for Joshua to accept the guarantee of $50 million.
BoxingScene.com has obtained the below email that Finkel sent to Hearn earlier today.
Dear Eddie,
With all due respect you know Al and I for a long time and you know this is not a publicity stunt. I assure you that we’re serious and we would be glad to sit down with you and provide proper security for the funding and work out all the details.
But it all has to start with Anthony Joshua accepting the $50million offer that he asked for, which is also by far the largest guarantee and largest purse any heavyweight champion in history has ever made.
Until then, it would be non-productive to meet. Please have Anthony accept the offer that he asked for and let’s get this fight made.
Thanks, Shelly