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AJ vs Wilder likely for 2020 after Bronze Bomber set for Ortiz II this fall

It feels like the talk of an Antony Joshua v. Deontay Wilder superfight has dragged on for an eternity, but the heavyweight duo finally look set to meet in 2020. Wilder has been gunning for AJ’s belts and after he pulverized Dominic Breazeale on May 18, the time is right for the Bronze Bomber to have his shot at Joshua.

Wilder made light work of Breazeale and a devastating right hand in the first round ensured there would be no upset in New York, and a showdown in 2020 should be next on the agenda for AJ and Wilder. It’s no secret that boxing fans from across the globe would love to see the super fight, and promoter Eddie Hearn believes the two heavyweights must go toe-to-toe this year, assuming Joshua sees off the challenge of Andy Ruiz Jr on 1 June.

Hearn’s comments

“That was an impressive win for Deontay – he’s exciting to watch. He has taken care of business, now AJ needs to do the same against Ruiz Jr at Madison Square Garden on June 1,” he told Sky Sports.

“The fight with AJ and Wilder is the biggest fight in the sport and all being well in two weeks’ time it must happen next – no excuses, this is the fight that will change the sport globally.

“It’s a legacy fight and AJ wants it so bad. Two big, fast, dangerous and fearless world heavyweight world champions that can turn the lights out with a blink of the eye – it’s a must. First things first, taking care of business on his American debut on June 1 and send a message straight back.”

Hopefully, Hearn’s words do stick and the two global superstars of boxing can scrap it out in what would be one of the most eagerly anticipated fights in the sport’s history. But it appears Wilder is happy to wait.

Wilder v Ortiz II

After the Bronze Bomber’s victory in Brooklyn, Luis Ortiz was invited into the ring and provided an interview with Sports Illustrated, which essentially highlighted his willingness to have a rematch with Wilder. The two met in March 2018 whereby Wilder defeated Ortiz in the 10th round, which was the Cuban’s first professional defeat.

And Ortiz’s wishes came true after Wilder recently announced he would be happy to do it all again with the 40-year-old, with the fight thought to be penciled in for fall of this year. That pays end to any hopes that the super fight between Joshua and Wilder will happen in 2019 but rest assured, the two will surely go toe-to-toe in 2020.

It really is just a matter of time before the fight does get the green light, but as you can imagine, every single detail will need to be ironed out and both camps will need to be satisfied. Clearly, Hearn is keen for the fight to happen as soon as possible but the whole world will have to play a waiting game.

As frustrating as that is, in particular for Hearn, make sure to check out the Anthony Joshua v Andy Ruiz Jr on Betfair markets right now, ahead of AJ’s debut in the United States.

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