Joshua opens Wilder talk 

Anthony Joshua versus Deontay Wilder negotiations will begin this week, according to promoter Eddie Hearn.

Joshua’s plan to add the WBC and WBO belts to his IBF and WBA gold has gathered pace since his most recent defence against Carlos Takam, and Hearn now hopes to pair him against fellow unbeaten champion Wilder, although Joseph Parker remains an option.

“I’m sitting down with [Wilder’s representatives] Shelly Finkel and Al Haymon later this week to have our first conversations regarding Joshua vs Wilder,” Hearn exclusively told Sky Sports.

Hopefully we can find somewhere between reality and fantasy that suits all.

“Like all these big fights it’s never easy but hopefully we can find somewhere between reality and fantasy that suits all.

“I had a good meeting with AJ [on Tuesday] – it’s his goal to try and become undisputed heavyweight champion of the world by the close of 2018 so, at present, to do that we must go through Parker and Wilder.”

Joshua is the main target for Wilder and Parker, respectively the WBC and WBO champions, according to statements made already this week.