Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder are edging closer to a unifying bout, according to Eddie Hearn.
The promoter said there is “a clear desire from both sides to make the fight” happen, which, if given the green light, could be scheduled for either November or December of this year.
Should Joshua and Wilder emerge victorious from their respective clashes with Jarrell Miller and Dominic Breazeale, Hearn is hopeful of finally securing terms for a unification fight between the heavyweight divison’s two belt holders.
“It’s very encouraging,” Hearn said. “I’m not going to say too much on it, because I don’t want to jinx anything. But I think there’s an opportunity there for someone to be a mediator to get the fight done.
“Clearly, the relationship between Team Wilder and Team Joshua is not the best. I think this is a route that is going to be very beneficial to the making of that undisputed fight.
“It’s not just about doing a deal with Wilder, it’s about doing a deal with Joshua.
“They’ve got their work cut out, but the pieces are coming together. There’s a long way to go but we’ll see where it goes.
“Now I think there’s a strategy in place that could lead us to this fight. There’s a clear desire from both sides to make the fight (happen).”
WBA, WBO and IBF world champion Joshua makes his US debut against Miller at Madison Square Garden on 1 June while Wilder has been ordered to defend his WBC title against Breazeale, after negotiations for a rematch with Tyson Fury fell through.
Hearn added: “If an undisputed fight gets made it will be November or December 2019. But still a couple of hurdles.”
