ANTHONY JOSHUA is confident he will fight Deontay Wilder in 2023.
The Brit, 33, is hoping to bounce back from two losses against Oleksandr Usyk and believes next year is going to be huge for heavyweight boxing.
Joshua was asked by GQ if he would fight Wilder to which he replied: "Let's look to the future. It will definitely happen.
"We're in the same division, we're in the same era, that means the fight has to happen.
"2023 is looming, it's a big year for boxing, and that fight will definitely happen."
Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn recently confirmed that talks have begun between the two fighters.
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It has been reported that the bout could take place as early as March but this could prove too soon.
But fans will be wary of getting their hopes up after discussions over the two stepping in the ring in 2018 broke down and the fight never happened.
Next year could be huge for Joshua as he tries to salvage what some will call a stumbling career.
Dillian Whyte wants to get back in the ring with the 33-year-old in a rematch of the bout that saw AJ win in 2015.
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And there also remains the possibility of him facing Fury with the Gypsy King asking Joshua to "step up to the plate" and fight him.
Fury paved the way for the "big year for boxing" Joshua spoke about as he beat Derek Chisora.
Meanwhile, Wilder would not turn down a fourth bout with Fury and he does look set to favour a fight with Joshua over the mandatory clash with Andy Ruiz Jr.
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