Anthony Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn is now “70 per cent confident" that the heavyweight unification mega-fight between the British heavyweight, who holds three of the world title belts, and American Deontay Wilder will happen this year.
Hearn will fly to New York mid-week for continued talks with Wilder's team as the two sides attempt to complete the contest for the first ever unification of the four major heavyweight belts. A guaranteed £36 million has been tabled for Joshua to defend the IBF, WBA and WBO belts in the United States.
Meanwhile, Shelly Finkel, the American boxer's co-manager who has been open about the negotiations, said on Saturday that Wilder's team are "quietly optimistic and positive" of the mega-fight going ahead.
The Sunday Telegraph understands that the offer from the American team is for the contest to take place in either New York or Las Vegas, in the final third of the year. It is likely that Las Vegas would offer the bulkiest overall financial package.
"Talks are ongoing, we’re all hopeful. Joshua wants the fight, Wilder wants the fight," Hearn told The Sunday Telegraph. "I saw people saying I don’t want the fight. Of course I want the fight. It’s the biggest fight out there. And I do believe they want the fight."
Anthony Joshua believes a fight against Deontay Wilder is "95 per cent" likely to happen this year.
Wilder made a $50million offer to Joshua last month to agree a bout that would crown an undisputed world heavyweight champion, and negotiations have taken place since.
"The fight is going to happen. Ninety-five percent this year," Joshua told Sky Sports.
The fight is going to happen. Ninety-five percent this year. Anthony Joshua
"I'm really, really, really interested.
"You can't talk about finances anymore because I'm well aware there is financial gain in this fight. So, let's put that aside and look at the devil in the detail.
"You can't just offer me a buy-out clause. I'm not here to sell my belts, let you take control of the event - that's not what I'm about."
Wilder holds the WBC belt
Joshua unified the IBF, WBA and WBO belts against Joseph Parker in March at Cardiff's Principality Stadium, a third fight in 11 months that sold nearly 250,000 tickets combined.
WBC champion Wilder, unbeaten in 40 fights, most recently stopped Luis Ortiz and has staged three title defences in New York City.
"Let's build this fight to its true potential," Joshua said. "I want the fight in the UK and they want it in America.
Joshua was ringside as Bellew stopped Haye
"We've got a long time to finalise it, because it will [potentially happen at the end of the year]. We're working tirelessly on it.
"I'm really interested in that fight."
Joshua was ringside to see Tony Bellew stop David Haye in the fifth round of their rematch at London's O2 on Saturday.
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Anthony Joshua insists he WILL fight Deontay Wilder as protracted negotiations continue to make the super fight to decide the undisputed heavyweight world champion.
AJ holds the IBF, WBA Super and WBO titles, while The Bronze Bomber holds the WBC strap.
Offers and counter-offers have been released in public, but Joshua confirmed the fight with his American rival will happen.
"Potentially 95 percent this year," Joshua told Sky Sports Box Office when asked for an update on a potential matchup vs Wilder. "It’s the devil in the detail, I’m really interested.
"Let’s put that [finances] aside, you can’t just offer me a buyout fee, I’m not about that.
(Image: REUTERS)
(Image: Getty Images Europe)
"I want to look at the devil in the detail and get the fight at its full potential. He wants the fight in America.I want the fight in the UK, potentially it’s going to happen at the end of the year. It will [happen]."
(Image: Getty Images)
(Image: Getty Images)
AJ was at The O2 Arena to support his friend Tony Bellew, who beat David Haye again, this time by fifth round knockout, to settle their grudge match.
Joshua has already unified the heavyweight world titles this year, outpointing Joseph Parker in Cardiff, with a mouth-watering fight against Wilder now one of the most anticipated fights in the sport.
