Deontay Wilder co-manager Shelly Finkel has spoken to WBN following a UK radio interview by Anthony Joshua, the current unified heavyweight champion.
During an interview with Mike Costello on BBC Radio 5 Live, Joshua said he’s completely confident a deal would be secured despite the fact no contact has been forthcoming from his promoters to Finkel (Team Wilder) since talks broke off last month.
Joshua also revealed a contract was signed on his part for April 13 at Wembley Stadium, which Finkel is yet to understand whether it’s a completely new deal or the original one turned down by Wilder last month.
Shelly Finkel talks to World Boxing News
Addressing Joshua’s latest comments, Finkel exclusively told World Boxing News on Tuesday: “I’m happy he said the fight will 100% happen because Deontay wants the fight if the conditions are right.
“But what we need now is to see the terms of the deal. If everything has been addressed and all impediments have been taken out from the last contract. Then we can begin to see where we stand.
Asked whether it was solely the TV side of things and a rematch clause holding up an agreement, Finkel replied: “The TV deal on the UK side of things is not an issue. But we need those original points addressed before we can look at making a deal or not.
“We haven’t heard from Eddie or anyone from Team Joshua since they decided to fight Alexander Povetkin (on September 22). The signed portion of the contract they said exists we haven’t seen yet.
“Until we see the new contract there’s nothing else we can do. We just need them to show us the new deal so Deontay can agree to a fight in April at Wembley.
“Until then, there’s nothing else we can do.
“Make no mistake, Deontay Wilder wants this fight to happen,” added the New Yorker.
ANTHONY JOSHUA vs DEONTAY WILDER
With Joshua in the midst of promoting his fight with Povetkin, it doesn’t seem likely any paperwork will be forthcoming in the immediate future. Finkel has already stressed that there’s no rush to get it over the line.
The intentions of Joshua do seem to be fully focused on securing Deontay Wilder after Povetkin, though, as the 2012 Olympic gold medallist has already ruled out a rematch with Dillian Whyte should his rival overcome ex-foe, Joseph Parker, this weekend.
The only other option would potentially be Tyson Fury. The fans would want that fight delayed in order to allow the former world ruler to be fully up to speed.
Eventually, Fury could challenge the winner at the peak of his powers.
Phil Jay is the Editor of WBN. Follow on Twitter @PhilDJay.
