Anthony Joshua is unconvinced American Deontay Wilder’s team have the 50 million dollars that they are offering for a title unification bout, the British boxer’s promoter, Eddie Hearn has said.
America’s WBC heavyweight world champion Wilder challenged WBA Super, IBF, IBO and WBO champion, Joshua, to the fight with both boxers guaranteed a 50-50 money split.
Hearn, however, said his team needs to be convinced the money exists.
“It’s not a case of we sign the contract and they go and raise the money.
“If you’ve got it, show it to us and then we can talk,’’ Hearn, who is in New York for a Matchroom Boxing USA card and will meet Wilder’s representatives on Friday,’’ said.
Wilder’s promoter, Shelly Finkel, had earlier given Joshua until midnight on Thursday to respond to the offer.
Hearn said: “I spoke to AJ, he knows the situation but we want to know if it’s real.
“We want to see the money and know where it is. There is a real strong chance this fight could happen – we’re not looking to be difficult.’’
However, Finkel said the money was in place. “If he accepts it, it will be there. Al Haymon and I have never not delivered what we’ve offered’’.
Joshua last month moved a step closer to becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world after beating New Zealand’s Joseph Parker in their title unification bout to improve his record to 21-0.
The 2012 Olympic champion added Parker’s WBO belt to his own collection.
Trending
- Four dead, 70 vehicles burnt in fuel tanker explosion in Rivers – Police
- Navy recruits 1,486 to tackle oil theft, piracy – Minister
- Ondo 2024: Sowore’s party’s candidate emerges
- LG poll: OYSIEC apologises for lateness, speaks on alternative to voter card
- Breaking: Olukoyede restructures EFCC, appoints CoS, Zonal Directors
- 19 children feared killed by measles complications in Adamawa
- NCoS speaks on reported one-bedroom flat for Bobrisky
- Gombe LG polls: Ruling party sweeps all positions