Anthony Joshua’s next fight will without question take place in the UK, according to the boxer's promoter Eddie Hearn.
Joshua (21-0, 20 KOs) unified the IBF, WBA, IBO and WBO heavyweight titles back in March with a twelve round unanimous decision over Joseph Parker at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.
Joshua has two options for his next fight - WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder and WBA mandatory challenger Alexander Povetkin.
At the moment, money is not the big issue in making Joshua vs. Wilder.
The big issue is the location.
Wilder's handlers have ordered Joshua a guarantee of $50 million to make the fight in the United States, and the British superstar is willing to take less money in order to make the fight in the UK.
"He [Joshua] will box in September. Wilder has got two options. He can agree to fight Joshua in September or in December or February. He wants to box in the UK next. We’ve extended that offer to Wilder," Hearn said to Talk Sport.
"Everything is good in terms of the spirit between the two camps. We’re talking. Povetkin is ready to go so we have to make our move shortly. I reckon in the next week or two we’ll be looking to make a decision.
"We need to decide whether it’s Wilder or Povetkin next because the clock is ticking and Joshua is ready to get back in camp and defend his title. An announcement on the next Joshua fight is coming within the next week or two."
Hearn explains that Joshua, and head trainer Rob McCracken, are very firm on fighting in the UK in September - and it's very unlikely that either of them will move aware from that position.
"The next fight will definitely be in the UK. That was a decision made by AJ and Rob McCracken. We believe we’ve built something very special with great crowds and great atmosphere and we want to continue that. The next one could be in London but Cardiff is still an option," Hearn said.
