Joshua wants to see money before agreeing Wilder fight

>> NEW YORK: Anthony Joshua is unconvinced American Deontay Wilder’s team have the US$50 million that they are offering for a title unification bout, the British boxer’s promoter Eddie Hearn said.

America’s WBC heavyweight world champion Wilder challenged WBA, IBF and WBO champion Joshua to the fight with both boxers guaranteed a 50-50 money split.

Hearn, however, said his team needs to be convinced the money exists.

“It’s not a case of we sign the contract and they go and raise the money. If you’ve got it - show us it and then we can talk,” said Hearn, who is in New York.

“I spoke to AJ, he knows the situation but we want to know if it’s real. We want to see the money and know where it is. There is a real strong chance this fight could happen — we’re not looking to be difficult.”

However, Wilder’s promoter Shelly Finkel said the money was in place.

“If he accepts it, it will be there. Al Haymon and I have never not delivered what we’ve offered,” he said.

Joshua last month moved a step closer to becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world after beating New Zealand’s Joseph Parker in their title unification bout to improve his record to 21-0.

The 2012 Olympic champion added Parker’s WBO belt to his own collection.

Meanwhile, Tyson Fury said he could beat Wilder with “a hand tied behind my back” as the British fighter nears his comeback after more than two years out of the ring.

Fury, the former WBA, IBF and WBO champion, is set for a return in Manchester on June 9, claiming the principal motivation to reignite his career came after remarks from current WBC belt holder Wilder.

“Deontay Wilder has given me the ambition to return, he said I couldn’t do it,” Fury said. “He said Tyson Fury is done. I can have a hand tied behind my back and beat Wilder.”