It’s the fight we all want to see.
Boxing fans have been calling for Anthony Joshua to unify his world IBF title since the moment he felled former champion Charles Martin to claim the belt in London.
But now it looks like the unbeaten British banger could be taking another step towards total world domination against WBCÂ belt holder Deontay Wilder.
Showtime boss Stephen Espinoza claims Joshua and Wilder is being lined up for a big money superfight in Las Vegas next year.
Joshua is chomping at the bit to fight in America and has a deal with the US TV network manager to fight Stateside.
“Vegas is where that fight really deserves to be and it would be a huge occasion,” Espinoza told RingTV.com.
“It’s been a while since there’s been a heavyweight title fight of that magnitude in Vegas and I think there’s a lot of pent-up demand for it.”
But Joshua, who has a 100% KO record from his 17 pro fights, has got several men in his way before he can take on the big-punching Wilder in the US.
The Olympic gold medallist will probably face Kubrat Pulev or Bermane Stiverne – the latter being outpointed by Wilder in 2015 – some time in November.
Then it’s expected that Joshua will have to face a mandatory challenger in New Zealand fighter Joseph Parker before January 2017.
Wilder, who is unbeaten in 37 pro fights, is currently out of action after breaking his hand and tearing his bicep in a punishing eight-round win over Chris Arreola to defend his title for the fifth time. It doesn’t look like the American will be back into the ring until Spring and Espinoza explained when he expects the heavyweight unification bout to take place.
“Because of Deontay’s injury and Joshua’s impending mandatory, as well as other factors, I think we’re looking at a fight in the winter of 2017,” Espinoza said.
“That is the most realistic time as Deontay is out until late spring. Ideally, we want to get them both on track for a third or fourth quarter fight next year.”
Whenever it comes, it’s going to be one hell of a fight.
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