Anthony Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed he has had positive conversations with Deontay Wilder’s manager Shelly Finkel in recent days.
The rival reps infamously clashed trying to make a match between their heavyweights in 2018 and 2019, with taunting insults exchanged and no fight materializing.
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Hearn promotes Joshua
Now, years later, the pair have finally started communicating again with hopes of finally staging the clash in 2023.
Hearn told iD Boxing News, “I had some really nice conversations with Shelly recently.
“I think we all made mistakes last time and I won’t make that mistake again.
“So I’m not saying anything, but the lines of communication are clear and open, which is great news for everyone.
“I don’t know what’s next, but what I can tell you is that the relationship and the communication is good enough to have hope.
“First of all, there were a lot of things to settle between the two of us.
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Finkel is a key figure in Wilder’s team, alongside adviser Al Haymon
“I made mistakes, I was arrogant, I think he made mistakes, maybe he said things he shouldn’t.
“He doesn’t need to grow up because he’s been in the game for a long time, I probably needed to grow up a bit.
“Hand on heart, I probably spoke with my heart and balls at times, rather than my brain.
“The problem with me is how many interviews I do. And all these guys who don’t do these interviews like Shelly will say, ‘Every time we talk, [you reveal everything].’
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Joshua could face a top 15 opponent first before meeting Wilder
“So I’m not saying anything other than the air is purged and we had some really nice conversations.
“I have no idea what’s going to happen, but at least now we have the opportunity to pick up the phone and talk productively about our clients’ careers.”
On whether the Joshua vs. Wilder fight could be next for AJ, Hearn added: “It’s very likely that Anthony Joshua will have a new practice squad or maybe new members of that squad.
“Usually when that happens the coach says, ‘Look, we’d like to be in the top 15 and then we’d like to go to Whyte or Wilder.
“If it was up to AJ, he would go straight to Wilder in March.
“But until that team is in place, which is planned for the next two weeks, I don’t know who Anthony Joshua is going to fight in March or April.”
