Monday 16 May 2016 22:06, UK
Anthony Joshua could face Deontay Wilder ‘within the next year’ as he attempts to become a major star in America, says the head of US TV network Showtime.
Joshua has signed an exclusive multi-fight contract with Showtime, who previously agreed a lucrative deal to broadcast the last few fights of Floyd Mayweather's career.
Showtime's Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, has shed light on the ambitious plans for Joshua, who will continue to boost his profile in the States when he defends his IBF heavyweight title against Californian Dominic Breazeale on June 25 at The O2, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Joshua ended the brief reign of one of America's world champions when he halted Charles Martin to claim the IBF belt last month, but Wilder remains the reigning WBC champion, albeit without an immediate opponent after next weekend's title defence was cancelled following Alexander Povetkin's failed drug test.
Espinoza admits he would 'love to see' a fight between Joshua and Wilder, two of the division's biggest punchers, and is optimistic the fight can be made in the near future.
"The number one question I've been getting is 'when are Deontay and Anthony going to fight?'" Espinoza told Sky Sports.
"Eddie (Hearn) is moving him very quickly at an appropriate pace, given his skills. Eddie nor Anthony are timid about taking tough match-ups.
I would love to see that within the next year and I think it's realistic to say that, if both continue winning.
"The danger of deals is you get guys who don't want to fight the toughest fights and tread water for that part of their careers. I have no concern about that.
"I know that in the near future names like David Haye and Tyson Fury and Klitschko, Wilder and Parker are definitely on the agenda.
Asked about Joshua-Wilder, he added: "I would love to see that within the next year and I think it's realistic to say that, if both continue winning. Even if not, I think it's a very attractive fight regardless.
"Two very athletic fighters, two very articulate, charismatic guys outside the ring, and so I'm hoping, I'm very optimistic we can get that fight done within the next 12-18 months.
Joshua fought throughout Britain in the early stages of his career and can now draw a large fan base to London, but the 26-year-old is yet to fight outside Britain.
Espinoza fully expects Joshua to pursue a big-name bout in the US, with his popularity continuing to grow, and believes either Las Vegas or New York will be the chosen destination.
"That's something that regardless of this deal, Eddie and Anthony have totally looked it - it's definitely a goal," said Espinoza.
"Whether it's going to be in the second fight or third fight, or fourth fight, I think there is desire to go and expand that market. I think he can successfully balance not just the UK and American markets, but worldwide.
"I think for this type of huge heavyweight fight. Whether it's Joshua-Wilder or any other Joshua fight, there's really only two main places for it.
"Either it's in New York City or it's in Vegas. I don't think there would be any trouble drawing the UK fans to either. There is something about having a big heavyweight fight in New York City that adds to the glamour. There is an undeniable cachet that attaches to fights in Vegas.
"Either one would be just a massive, massive event."
