Eddie Hearn did not reach out to Deontay Wilder for a fight with Anthony Joshua after signing to fight Tyson Fury, his manager Shelly Finkel has claimed.
There had been some speculation that Joshua could return against Wilder before facing Fury.
However, the 36-year-old will instead return to the ring against Kristian Prenga on July 25 before facing Fury in November.
Wilder called out long-time rival ‘AJ’ after his victory over Derek Chisora earlier this month.
The pair have been linked to a showdown since both men held heavyweight world titles in 2018 and Finkel believes Joshua had no interest in facing ‘The Bronze Bomber’.
“Can’t be disappointed about something that never was,” Finkel told Sky Sports.
“Eddie never reached out to us and Joshua obviously had no intention of fighting Deontay Wilder.
“Same old story, just a new date.”
Joshua and Wilder were set to fight in March 2024, but the American was beaten by Joseph Parker in December 2023.
‘AJ’ will fight for the first time since knocking out Jake Paul in the sixth round in December.
The two-time heavyweight world champion was involved in a tragic car crash 10 days later, which took the lives of two of his close friends and left him with minor injuries.
Saudi Arabian boxing chief, Turki Alalshikh announced that Joshua and Fury had signed for their mega fight in a post on X on Monday, which read: “To my friends in Great Britain – it’s happening. It’s signed.”
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Moments later, Joshua’s return was announced against unknown Albanian, Prenga.
“It’s no secret I’ve taken some time to consolidate and rebuild to be ready for stepping back into the ring and today is the next step on that journey,” Joshua said.
“I’m delighted to have agreed a multi-fight deal starting with July 25th in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“I’m looking forward to competing and picking up where I left off.
“As I said. The landlord will collect his rent. That is certain.”
Fury overcame Arslanbek Makhmudov on points in his return to the ring after coming out of retirement earlier this year.
‘The Gypsy King’ called out ‘AJ’ who was watching on from ringside and claimed he would retire again should a bout with his rival not materialise.
However, his manager Spencer Brown revealed he could fight again before fighting Joshua.
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