Wilder open to blockbuster battle with Joshua in Saudi Arabia

Deontay Wilder would be open to a long-awaited heavyweight fight against Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia this year.

The American star has been linked with a massive clash against Joshua in the Middle East at the end of the year, with reports suggesting that Tyson Fury could even face Oleksandr Usyk in an undisputed world title fight on the same blockbuster bill in December.

Wilder gave another glimpse of his devastating power in a first-round demolition of Robert Helenius in October and would welcome a fight against Joshua, an eagerly anticipated duel between the division’s two biggest punchers.

“Deontay has wanted to fight Joshua for a long time, and of course is willing to fight him in Saudi Arabia,” Wilder’s manager, Shelly Finkel, told Sky Sports.

Joshua recently sparked fresh speculation about his next career move by announcing on social media that he would not returning to the ring until December.

The two-time world champion sealed a unanimous decision victory over American, Jermaine Franklin, at The O2 earlier this month. – SkySports