Anthony Joshua

Holyfield wants AJ-Wilder fight

Joshua and Wilder have been involved in plenty of verbal sparring, but are yet to settle their differences in the ring.

The duo remain on a collision course, though, with Wilder having defeated Luis Ortiz on Saturday to retain his WBC world heavyweight title.

Following that fight, Wilder again called out Joshua, whose attempt to unify the division continues when he puts his WBA and IBF belts on the line against WBO strap-holder Joseph Parker on March 31.

Joshua-Ruiz Jr will be an exciting fight, Hearn promises

World heavyweight champion Joshua (22-0) was slated to meet Jarrell Miller for his United States debut on June 1 at Madison Square Garden, but the American's failed drug tests meant the fight was scrapped.

Ruiz (32-1) is expected to be confirmed as the replacement to battle for Joshua's WBA, IBF and WBO world titles.

The California-born 29-year-old fought for a heavyweight strap against Joseph Parker in December 2016 and Hearn, who described a deal for the bout as "close", is sure fans will not be disappointed.

Wilder to fight Fury in 2019 & Joshua in 2020 – Finkel

Wilder will defend his WBC title against mandatory challenger Dominic Breazeale next month, with Joshua then set to make his American debut at Madison Square Garden on June 1 against an unnamed replacement for Jarrell Miller, expected to be Andy Ruiz Jr.

The unification bout against WBA, IBF and WBO champion Joshua appears no closer to coming to fruition.

However, Wilder recently insisted it was inevitable and Finkel anticipates it will finally happen next year.

Joshua new opponent imminent

Heavyweight Joshua was initially due to defend his IBF, WBA and WBO titles against Jarrell Miller in his American debut, with the bout set for Madison Square Garden in New York.

However, Miller was ruled out after a second failed drugs test, leaving promoter Eddie Hearn needing to find a replacement for the main event.

Speaking at a press conference to promote Dillian Whyte's July fight with Oscar Rivas, Barry Hearn, Eddie's father, declared they are "very close" to confirming the identity of Joshua's next foe.

Whyte thinks Joshua rematch is 'only a matter of time'

The 30-year-old has been touted as a potential 2019 opponent for IBF, WBA and WBO belt-holder Joshua, though WBC champion Deontay Wilder is his priority for an April 13 fight at Wembley.

Whyte beat former WBO champion Joseph Parker last July to enhance his claim for a title shot and he insisted it is inevitable he will get another chance to take down Joshua, who won their previous encounter with a seventh-round knockout in December 2015.

Hearn: Joshua wants to fight Wilder

WBA, IBF and WBO champion Joshua is back in training ahead of his return to the ring at Wembley on April 13, though his opponent for that date remains uncertain.

It was thought the winner of Wilder and Tyson Fury's fight would be the logical choice to meet Joshua next but that ended in a controversial split-decision draw in Los Angeles on Saturday.

Wilder's team open to Joshua talks

Eddie Hearn, Joshua's promoter, last week revealed he has made "significant" progress in discussions about the prospect of striking a deal for Wilder and the IBF, WBO and WBA champion to do battle.

Hearn has been in dialogue with Al Haymon, a member of Wilder's advisory team, after growing increasingly frustrated at failing to arrange a meeting with Finkel, the American's co-manager.

Finkel responded by stating that he is open to getting around the table with Joshua's team after Wilder has defended his strap against Fury in Los Angeles on December 1.

Wilder's team open to Joshua talks

Eddie Hearn, Joshua's promoter, last week revealed he has made "significant" progress in discussions about the prospect of striking a deal for Wilder and the IBF, WBO and WBA champion to do battle.

Hearn has been in dialogue with Al Haymon, a member of Wilder's advisory team, after growing increasingly frustrated at failing to arrange a meeting with Finkel, the American's co-manager.

Finkel responded by stating that he is open to getting around the table with Joshua's team after Wilder has defended his strap against Fury in Los Angeles on December 1.

Miller issues challenge to Joshua

Joshua was present on American soil to promote the defence of his IBF, WBA and WBO titles against Russian Alexander Povetkin on September 22 at Wembley Stadium. 

However, Miller interrupted the head-to-head meeting between the two heavyweights to confront the unified champion, who responded to the goading by turning to face up to the trash-talking American. 

Wilder lets fly at Joshua

It emerged on Tuesday that the WBA had ordered Joshua to agree a date for a mandatory title defence against Alexander Povetkin.

Eddie Hearn, Joshua's promoter, questioned whether Wilder wants to step into the ring with the Briton, stating that he had not heard back from the American's camp after sending a contract over last week.

Hearn said it appears that a bout with Povetkin will be next for WBO, IBF, IBO and WBA strap-holder Joshua and Wilder – the WBC champion – let his feelings be known over that latest twist.