Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder will both fight on a blockbuster card in Saudi Arabia on Saturday – and arguably the dominant subplot is the prospect of a bout between the pair.
The hugely popular Briton and the fighter known as the "Bronze Bomber" are set for a showdown in 2024, with more news emerging on their contest days before their final fights of 2023.
Neither man has shirked opportunities to talk about an event which has long been anticipated across the course of almost a decade.
When will Joshua and Wilder fight? Where will it take place? The Sporting News explains what we know so far.
MORE: Do we still care about Anthony Joshua vs. Deontay Wilder boxing fight?
When is Anthony Joshua vs. Deontay Wilder?
A financial agreement has been reached for the heavyweight collision to take place on March 9 in Riyadh, according to ESPN sources.
Writing on December 13, respected boxing reporter Mike Coppinger said the event is contingent on the rivals emerging unscathed on Saturday, when Joshua fights Otto Wallin and Wilder faces Joseph Parker.
"The reason that fight is happening with both on the same night is to prepare for and build a fight between the two," Joshua promoter Eddie Hearn told ESPN. "The contracts aren't signed, talks continue. But everybody wants to make that fight.
"Everyone's saying, 'Well, why are you fighting a tough fight before Deontay Wilder?' That was the fight that was proposed to us from Saudi.
WATCH: Anthony Joshua vs. Otto Wallin, live on DAZN
"Joshua's never turned down a fight. Wallin's been on our list for the last two fights. The only reason we haven't boxed him is because he's a southpaw.
"To fight a southpaw on six weeks' notice with a new trainer [Ben Davison] is not ideal, but [the Saudis] like the fight. They fancy the fight. Fingers crossed."
Dubbed the 'Day of Reckoning', the event on Saturday is part of Saudi Arabia's Riyadh season and is backed by the colossal financial might of its hosts.
It will be the third time Joshua has fought in the country, and a return there to fight Wilder would be little surprise.
Speaking in an interview broadcast on December 14, Joshua did not hesitate to say he expected to fight Wilder in 2024. "So I don't put my foot in it, I'm going to say mid[-year]," he told TNT Sports. "Not early, not late."
- Date: Saturday, March 9 (TBC)
- Start time: TBC ET | TBC GMT | TBC AEDT
- Main card: TBC ET | TBC GMT | TBC AEDT
- Main event: TBC ET | TBC GMT | TBC AEDT
How to watch Joshua vs. Wilder
The bout is almost certain to be on DAZN PPV but the broadcaster has not been confirmed just yet.
Where is the Anthony Joshua vs. Deontay Wilder fight taking place?
The likely venue for the fight is the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, where Joshua and Wilder will fight on the Day of Reckoning card.
Is Joshua vs. Wilder a world title fight?
Although Joshua and Wilder have spent much of their careers as world champions, their bout with each other will not be for a title if it takes place in March.
Joshua lost his WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles to Oleksandr Usyk in September 2021 and is attempting to become a mandatory challenger again.
"My main focus is to become three-time heavyweight champion of the world," said Joshua, adding that he would be willing to take on Wilder even if the American loses to Parker.
"I'll still fight Wilder; let's not take our eyes off the prize. If Parker beats Wilder, they're still part of that entertainment circle. It's not part of my plan but it's still entertainment. Parker would be a good fight, Wilder would be a good fight."
MORE: SN's Top 12 pound-for-pound boxers
How to buy tickets for Anthony Joshua vs. Deontay Wilder
Ticket information is still to be released.
Joshua vs. Wilder undercard
The undercard is yet to be revealed.
Anthony Joshua record, titles
- Nationality: British
- Born: October 15, 1989
- Height: 6-6 (198 cm)
- Weight: Heavyweight
- Reach: 82 inches (208 cm)
- Total fights: 29
- Record: 26-3 with 23 wins via knockout
- Titles: N/A
Deontay Wilder record, titles
- Nationality: American
- Born: October 22, 1985
- Height: 6-7 (201 cm)
- Weight: Heavyweight
- Reach: 83 inches (211 cm)
- Total fights: 46
- Record: 43-2-1 (42 KOs)
- Titles: N/A
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