Comments Thread For: Anthony Joshua Could Return in December if Wilder Fight Gets Pushed Back

[SUBZER0ED]

Damn, HW boxing is really turning into a shit show. One minute, We're getting all pumped up for a Wilder-Joshua showdown. The next minute, Hearn is conditioning us to accept that the fight isn't happening as originally planned, if at all. Whether these two are champions are not, getting them to fight each other is like pulling an alligator's teeth.

[Zelda]

I have a feeling the Saudis are having second thoughts on this fight!

At least, with the amount they are supposed to commit and the timeline. The reason Saudi govt. would invest in a big fight is not because they think they can recover the cost but because they think it will have other benefits, like a soft image of the country, more tourism for Saudi, etc. which is why the fights must happen in or around the winter period (as there is little tourism during summer). This is also the reason they are choosing a Brit and an American because they can maximize the crown from both countries and invite many celebrities for good media coverage.

However, the initial goal was to have it alongside the undisputed to generate a massive talk around the event. Without Fury-Usyk on the card, it is a much smaller event and with neither Wilder nor Joshua looking pristine, it takes off some of the luster also. Besides, if Fury-Ngannou is doing the opening event of the Riyadh season, what event does this fight highlight? or is it just a normal day event?

I think it still happens but the enthusiasm from the Saudis would be less and it would take a lot more persuasion to get the money released or even re-negotiate the purses. They may be looking to coincide with some event or add some more interesting fights to it.