World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder is reportedly set to reject a 100 million-plus deal from US broadcaster DAZN.com.
The news comes as a blow to fans hoping for an undisputed title bout between the American and the Briton, Anthony Joshua (AJ).
Joshua holds three of the four crowns in heavyweight boxing – International Boxing Federation (IBF), World Boxing Association (WBA) and World Boxing Organisation (WBO).
Talksport reports that an agreement by Wilder would have ensured that the fight between the two giants of heavyweight boxing took place in 2019.
Last week, fans were given what turned out to be false hope as it emerged that Wilder would be meeting with the streaming service – who also broadcast AJ in America.
It was reported that the WBC heavyweight champion was offered upwards of 100 million Dollars for three fights against Dominic Breazeale, Joshua and then AJ again in a rematch.
However, it is now understood his team will reject the offer and, when asked about this, the American explained why.
“So many people try to dictate my career and tell me, ‘I should do this, I should do that, I shouldn’t do this, I shouldn’t do that’,” Wilder said.
“I love being a free agent, I love being able to move about doing what I do and we’ll see what the future holds,” he added.
Wilder is set to announce his next fight – which will be against Breazeale regardless – Tuesday.
Speculation suggests it will be broadcast on Showtime pay-per-view in the US, as was his previous bout against Tyson Fury.