Author: Sean Close
If the reports are accurate, it seems that former heavyweight champions Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua might be appearing in the same event in Saudi Arabia. However, they won’t be facing each other. According to initial reports by Dan Rafael, separate matches are being planned for December 23rd, with Wilder and Joshua headlining the event. Although they won’t be squaring off against each other, the matchups for each fighter are still generating significant interest. The potential fights can be particularly intriguing because of the possibility of underdogs emerging victorious.
It is believed that Joshua may be pitted against Otto Wallin, who caused considerable trouble for Tyson Fury in a previous bout. Meanwhile, Wilder could potentially face former world champion Joseph Parker. Although fans may have been hoping for a Joshua-Wilder showdown, the matches on this prospective card are still worth keeping an eye on, especially as Joshua is seen by some as a diminished fighter after two losses to Oleksandr Usyk, and Wilder has been inactive for over a year, having suffered defeats in two of his last three fights, including a stoppage by Fury. This unpredictability, combined with the fluid situation in the heavyweight division, adds to the excitement surrounding this event. It’s currently uncertain who will emerge as the top contender, but Usyk appears to be in a leading position.
Alongside the heavyweight division, light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol, who has previously faced Canelo Alvarez, is also slated to compete on this card, with Richard Rivera being a potential opponent. Additionally, Daniel Dubois is rumored to make an appearance during the Christmas week event.
