Wilder, Joshua clash slated for late 2023

Deontay Wilder clash with Anthony Joshua has been pushed back before any real serious talks began, World Boxing News can reveal.

The news comes as Wilder and his team proclaim to be in the dark over Joshua, stating the fight will “definitely” happen in a recent magazine interview.

WBN put those quotes to Shelly Finkel, the co-manager of the “Bronze Bomber.” Without second guessing anything, Finkel doesn’t know where such confidence in the bout getting over the line came from.

“Your guess is as good as mine. I hope it is definitely going to happen,” Finkel exclusively told World Boxing News.

Asked about the Briton facing compatriot Dillian Whyte in a rematch next, Finkel stated the Wilder vs Joshua would be pushed back a few months.

“Probably so, August to October,” confirmed Finkel as work continues on making a huge Pay Per View stateside with Andy Ruiz Jr.

The origin of hope that Wilder vs Joshua will finally come to fruition came from a story with British GQ.

Joshua told the UK magazine, “Let’s look to the future. It will definitely happen (the fight with Deontay Wilder).

“We’re in the same division. We’re in the same era, which means the fight has to happen. 2023 is looming, it’s a big year for boxing, and that fight will definitely happen.”

Right now, Wilder and Joshua have alternative routes to an eventual battle. That’s despite the best intentions of Finkel when he opened a communication line with Joshua’s handler Eddie Hearn.

As a few weeks ago, when WBN spoke to Finkel over his willingness to talk to Hearn, it remains the belief that Wilder vs Ruiz is the fight that’s happening first.

The pair are already locked in with the WBC. The winner will then be mandatory for Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk.

Dependent on that result, Wilder and Joshua could collide before any title shot with the mandatory position up for grabs.