Eddie Hearn did not contact Deontay Wilder about fighting Anthony Joshua after signing a contract to fight Tyson Fury, his manager Shelly Finkel claims.
There has been speculation that Joshua could return against Wilder before he faces Fury.
Instead, the 36-year-old will return to the ring on July 25 against Kristian Prengi, before facing Fury in November.
Wilder called out longtime rival “AJ” after his victory over Derek Chisora earlier this month.
The pair have been linked to a clash since both men held world heavyweight titles in 2018, and Finkel believes Joshua had no interest in fighting the “Bronze Bomber.”
“You can’t be disappointed with something that never happened,” Finkel said Heavenly sports.
“Eddie never contacted us and Joshua obviously had no intention of fighting Deontay Wilder.
“Same antique story, just modern date.”
Joshua and Wilder were scheduled to fight in March 2024, but the American was defeated by Joseph Parker in December 2023.
Joshua and Fury have signed a contract to fight. Photo: Mark Robinson
“AJ” will fight for the first time since he knocked out Jake Paul in the sixth round in December.
Ten days later, the two-time world heavyweight champion was involved in a tragic car accident that killed two of his close friends and left him with minor injuries.
Saudi Arabian boxing boss Turki Alalshikh announced that Joshua and Fury have signed a contract for their mega fight in a post on the website X on Monday, which read: “To my friends in the UK– it’s happening. This is signed.
Moments later, Joshua’s return was announced against unknown Albanian Prengi.
“It’s no secret that I’ve taken some time to consolidate and rebuild to be ready to get back into the ring, and today is the next step in that journey,” Joshua said.
“I am delighted to have agreed to a multi-fight contract starting on July 25 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Deontay Wilder defeated Derek Chisora by split decision at the O2 Arena Photo: MF Pro/David Cavan
“I’m looking forward to competing and continuing where I left off.
“Like I said. The landlord will collect rent. That’s for sure.”
Fury defeated Arslanbek Makhmudov on points in his return to the ring following his retirement earlier this year.
“The Gypsy King” called “AJ”, who was watching the gala from the side of the ring, and declared that he would retire again if the fight with his rival did not take place.
However, his manager Spencer Brown revealed that he may fight again ahead of his fight with Joshua.
The post Anthony Joshua “had no intention” of fighting Deontay Wilder appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.
Jaron Ennis is the bookmakers’ main favorite to defeat Xander Zayas in their highly anticipated world title clash on Saturday in Brooklyn.
Ennis challenges Zayas for the WBO and WBA super welterweight belts at the Barclays Center live on DAZN pay-per-view.
The undefeated resident of Philadelphia enters the game as the favorite on February 11 Bet365 give the 23-year-old his first professional defeat and become world champion in two weight categories.
“Boots” has stopped 31 of his 35 opponents, including Uisma Lima in his 154-pound debut in October, and is expected to stop the Puerto Rican on 20/21.
The 28-year-old last covered this distance in 2024, and a decision victory is valued at 13/2.
Zayas and Ennis face to face before the clash. Photo: Matchroom Boxing
Even though Zayas has taken over as unified champion, he is an underdog Bet365 at 15/04.
Man from San Juan defeated Abass Baraou by split decision will add the WBA belt to his WBO crown in January and his best chance of victory is rated at 13/2 by decision, while success in the shock break is rated at 14/1.
Jaron Ennis knocked out Uisma Lima in the first round in Philadelphia. Photo: Emma Brawley/Matchroom Boxing
Full Bet365 odds
The result of the fight
Xander Zayas will win the fight: 15/4
Xander Zayas by KO/TKO/DQ: 14/1
Xander Zayas by decision or technical decision: 13/2
Jaron Ennis will win the fight: 11/02
Jaron Ennis by KO/TKO/DQ: 20/21
Jaron Ennis by decision or technical: 8/5
Draw or technical draw: 14/1
Round bets
Xander Zayas
Win in round 1: 100/1
Win in round 2: 100/1
Win in round 3: 100/1
Win in round 4: 100/1
Win in round 5: 100/1
To win in round 6: 100/1
To win in round 7: 80/1
To win in round 8: 80/1
To win round 9: 66/1
To win in round 10: 66/1
To win round 11: 66/1
To win in round 12: 80/1
To win by decision or technical decision: 6/1
Zayas won by points decision over Abass Baraou. Source: Mikey Williams / top position
Jaron Ennis
To win round 1: 80/1
Win in round 2: 50/1
Win in round 3: 40/1
To win in round 4: 28/1
To win in round 5: 20/1
To win in round 6: 16/1
Win in round 7: 12/12
To win in round 8: 1/11
To win in round 9: 10/1
To win in round 10: 10/1
To win in round 11: 10/1
To win in round 12: 1/11
Win by Decision or Technical Decision: 7/4
The post Xander Zayas vs Jaron Ennis – Odds and Betting Guide appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.
On Wednesday, Lewis Crocker heads to Australia to defend his IBF welterweight world title against Liam Paro for the first time.
Crocker will face Paro at the Pat Rafter Arena in Queensland, live on DAZN in the UK and Kayo Sports in Australia.
Crocker (22-0, 11 KO) became world champion in September, defeating Paddy Donovan twice before winning the rematch by split decision.
Man from Belfast recorded his second victory over Donovan after the first victory in March last year, and his rival was disqualified for hitting him after the bell.
Paro (27-1, 16 KO) is trying to become a world champion in two weight categories, having previously reigned in the super-lightweight division.
In September, Donovan was beaten a second time by Crocker. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
The 30-year-old won the title with a unanimous decision victory over Subriel Matias in Puerto Rico before winning the belt in his first defense against Richardson Hitchins.
The Australian has since won twice, overtaking David Papot in his last appearance in September.
Paro looks like a two-time IBF champion. Photo: Melina Pizano/Matchroom
McKean meets Taliva
Heavyweight Demsey McKean will look to continue his rebuild when he faces Liam Talivaa for the vacant IBF Pan Pacific title.
McKean (24-2, 16 KO) had his career cut miniature after a last-round loss to Filip Hrgovic, followed by a brutal first-round loss to Moses Itauma.
The 35-year-old southpaw returned to winning ways with back-to-back stoppage victories.
Talivaa (8-2, 4 KO) last won the IBF Oceania-Orient title, defeating Faiga Opelu by first-round stoppage.
Undercard remaining
At cruiserweight, Luke Modini (13-0, 11 KO) will likely need distance to beat Peng Qu (17-2-1, 12 KO), while Riley Candy (8-1, 5 KO) could stop Nathan Watson (11-3, 3 KO) at super middleweight.
Vegas Larfield (13-1, 9 KO) can hand Shamal Ram Anuj (11-8, 8 KO) his fourth defeat in a row in a featherweight clash.
Heavyweight Nelson Asofa-Solomon (2-0, 2 KO) can secure a third straight knockout over debutant George Burgess, and Stevan Ivic (8-0-1, 2 KO) can do the same against Caleb Tialu (3-7, 3 KO), also a heavyweight.
Prospective super welterweight fighter Jack Javed (1-0) should overtake Lance McDonald (1-5-1, 1 KO).
The post Lewis Crocker vs. Liam Paro – Gigantic Fight Preview and Predictions appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.