The ongoing discussions surrounding a potential Deontay Wilder-Anthony Joshua fight in the Middle East have hit a roadblock, leaving Anthony Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, to contemplate the next steps for his fighter. While members of Tyson Fury's camp have suggested that the Wilder-Joshua bout is "dead," Hearn is waiting to see if there is still a chance for the fight to materialize. Hearn has repeatedly stated that the Joshua-Wilder fight was agreed upon, including all terms, but emphasized that "until the money is put in place, the fight's not happening."

Hearn has also mentioned that Joshua will not wait indefinitely and is open to fighting in December if the Wilder bout cannot be finalized. He mentioned a few potential opponents for Joshua's December fight, including Filip Hrgovic and Andy Ruiz, both of whom could offer a significant challenge to Joshua.

Filip Hrgovic has expressed interest in facing Oleksandr Usyk next, leaving Andy Ruiz as a potential opponent for Joshua. The two fighters are currently tied at 1-1 in their previous encounters, with Ruiz handing Joshua a shocking defeat in their first fight, followed by Joshua's victory in the rematch. The possibility of a Joshua-Ruiz trilogy may appeal to some fans, especially if Ruiz is in better shape and fully motivated for the fight.

While the boxing world eagerly anticipates a showdown between Joshua and Wilder, the uncertainties surrounding the fight's location and funding have led to speculation about alternative opponents for both fighters.

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