Anthony Joshua has made clear his intentions to unify all the belts at heavyweight level, this vision moved closer yesterday with news that Alexander Povetkin Is lined up for the Parker undercard, against fellow Brit David Price, the pair are set to face each other in a mandatory clash this summer should they come through victorious.
Eddie Hearn has mentioned that Wembley may not be an option this year for AJ, meaning that he may well not fight in the UK again this year after the fight with Parker.Hearn has stated before his intentions for AJ to embark on a “World Tour”, the Povetkin fight could take place in Russia or the US, this then leaves the 3rd fight of the year against Deontay Wilder, most likely taking place in the boxing capital of the world, Las Vegas.“This could be the last time (Anthony) fights in the UK in 2018,” Hearn told Sky Sports.“The Wilder fight could be in America. We want to fight Wilder before the end of the year.”“Our plan is box three times this year – end of August or early September, then December. We’ve got a base in America already. We’d rather the fight was in the UK but we’re not bothered if it has to be in America. No problem.”On opening talks with Wilder in the coming months, Hearn admitted it won’t be an easy fight to get done.
“(It’s) more difficult, because if you go to the negotiating table with three belts instead of one, then you want an increase in the pie,” Hearn explained.
“Wilder is in a real fight against (Luis) Ortiz (on March 3rd), and victory would give him more value than he has at the moment.”
“We have to give respect to Wilder because he’s having a proper fight. I believe he will beat Ortiz. It depends how he wins. If he comes through a war, those fights can take a lot out of you. If he wins impressively, he sends out a good statement. Everyone is going in the right direction.”
The future as seen by Matchroom for AJ in 2018.
March 31 – Joseph Parker (Cardiff, Wales) – WBA, IBF, IBO, WBO titles
August/September – Alexander Povetkin (Russia/USA) – WBA, IBF, IBO, WBO titles
December – Deontay Wilder (Las Vegas) – WBC, WBA, IBF, IBO, WBO titles
