Boxing: Hearn Blames Wilder’s Camp For Failing To Seal Joshua Fight

Eddie Hearn has confirmed Deontay Wilder’s claim he offered $50million (£40m) fight Anthony Joshua, but insists the showdown failed to materialise after the American’s camp failed to send a contract.

Former heavyweight champion Wilder is due to fight on the same December 23 card in Saudi Arabia as Joshua but not against one another as had been hoped. Briton Joshua will fight Otto Wallin and Wilder will take on Joseph Parker.

Wilder told Mail Sport’s The Hook podcast last week that Joshua had turned down the offer, while he also pointed the finger at the Briton’s Matchroom promoters.

‘It’s his management that have held him back from fighting me because, you know, he’s a fighter. It’s been over six years (waiting for the fight to be made). But there comes a point in time we’re you’re like, “Forget it”,’ Wilder said.

‘Many times he wanted to fight, he wanted to accept it but his handlers didn’t want it because Joshua is the money-maker for the company. And if he goes down, so does the business.’