Adam Kownacki comes up as potential challenger to fight Wilder later this year if the champion refuses to fight Joshua.
Eddie Hearn indicates that a Joshua-Wilder fight will go ahead by stating there is a ‘clear desire’ between both teams for an undisputed heavyweight title clash.
Dominic Breazeale will be Wilder’s next opponent on an expected date of May 18. The Polish contender Kownacki could make his way for a WBC title shot if negotiations don’t lead to Joshua fight.
Kownacki’s manager Keith Connolly said;
“It all depends on the Wilder-Joshua situation, he’s [Kownacki] looking to fight for a title.
“This fight, then maybe one more fight, and then the fight after that for a title but I guess the whole world is hanging on what is going on with Joshua-Wilder and if they are going to fight.
“But if they don’t fight here, I would think he’s probably going to fight Wilder in December, January.
“That’s the plan. The plan is to fight Wilder in December, January, but if he fights Joshua, obviously that’s out of window, and then we would have to wait.
“There’s definitely a plan to fight Wilder by the end of this year, or the first month of next year, it’s all pending what happens here.
“Obviously Wilder met with DAZN, I have no idea how those talks went, and if they’re serious about doing the fight. But if they don’t, Adam is right in line there. Al Haymon and I have talked, and that’s the plan.”
Adam Kownacki defeated three title challengers out of his last four fights including Gerald Washington, Artur Szpilka and Charles Martin.
The 29-year-old fighter will return in May or June. His opponent is yet to be announced and believes a victory would make him one of the leading contenders.
Asked about a title fight, Kownacki said:
“I think it’s much closer. I think maybe one [more fight], I’m not sure.
“My resume is much better than a lot of other fighters who’ve had a chance to fight for a title opportunity.
“I feel I’m right around the corner, but it’s a matter of timing and making sure a world champion isn’t lined up to fight.”
