Prospect of Wilder vs. Joshua superfight looms largest over 'Day of Reckoning' event
The most anticipated aspect of Saturday's "Day of Reckoning" boxing card in Saudi Arabia is the possibility that Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua could meet in the ring this March.
Wilder and Joshua have a tentative agreement to clash on March 9th, provided they both win their scheduled bouts this weekend and emerge uninjured.
Wilder vs. Joshua has been in discussion since at least 2019 when the heavyweights owned all the major world titles. Despite recent setbacks for both men, the matchup remains enormously popular with fans.
"That's the biggest fight in the world," said Wilder, who fights former champion Joseph Parker Jr. on the undercard. "Now the moment has come where it's the closest that it's ever been in history."
A Joshua victory would also likely set up another title shot after losing his belts to Oleksandr Usyk. Wilder is similarly seeking a path back to gold after being knocked out by Tyson Fury.
Their reputations have taken hits, especially Joshua after consecutive losses to Usyk. Wilder has questioned Joshua's mental fortitude, while Joshua aims to prove doubters wrong.
Concerns also linger about Wilder's ring rust and chin after the Fury knockouts. But Wilder claims inactivity has benefited him and his team has him ripe and ready for a dangerous performance this weekend.
With major names and a potential box office superfight on the horizon, the "Day of Reckoning" event has no shortage of intrigue. Now it's up to Wilder and Joshua to handle their business and make the March showdown a reality.