Anthony Joshua’s hopes of Deontay Wilder fight in next six months still alive

Talks continue to take place between the camps of Joshua and Wilder over a fight at the end of this year or in early 2024.

Anthony Joshua (left) and promoter Eddie Hearn (right) are still hopeful of facing Deontay Wilder during the next six months (Zac Goodwin/PA)

Anthony Joshua’s hopes of fighting Deontay Wilder in the next six months remain alive after Robert Helenius agreed to replace Dillian Whyte for Saturday’s bout at London’s O2 Arena.

Matchroom confirmed on Tuesday morning that Helenius would step in for Whyte, who saw his hopes of avenging defeat to Joshua in 2015 ended last weekend after “adverse analytical findings” were detected in his doping test by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA).