Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua set for December 23 fight date in Saudi Arabia

In preparation for a possible fight in 2024, Deontay Wilder is reportedly holding negotiations with Anthony Joshua over a possible December 23 battle in Saudi Arabia.

The heavyweight rivals had been in talks to fight earlier this year, and this week, Wilder reaffirmed his intention to finally step into the ring with Joshua.

Though Joshua is anticipated to make a comeback in a different Middle Eastern bout on the same program, Wilder is now scheduled to make his comeback against an opponent who has not yet been identified next month.

Since his thrilling first-round knockout victory against Robert Helenius in October of last year, Wilder has been away from the ring for more than a year.

In August of this year, Joshua defeated Helenius in the seventh round via knockout.

Next year, Wilder and Joshua might put an end to their long-standing rivalry if they both win.

In addition, Joshua wants to get a rematch with his British opponent Tyson Fury, who last month defeated former UFC champion Francis Ngannou via a hard-fought split decision to keep his undefeated record intact.

The "heavy lifting" for the contract has been completed and Fury will now square off against Oleksandr Usyk in an undisputed face off.