Eddie Hearn has suggested that a potential blockbuster fight between Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder could still happen if the American boxer manages to revive his faltering career.
The promoter, 45, believes it's "all or nothing" for Wilder now as he prepares to face 37-year-old Tyrrell Herndon in Kansas next month.
Wilder, once feared as one of the hardest punchers in heavyweight boxing, has seen his reputation diminish dramatically after losing four of his last fights.
His career trajectory has taken a significant downturn, particularly following a shocking stoppage defeat to Chinese heavyweight Zhilei Zhang last June.
Deontay Wilder was beaten by Zhilei Zhang last June
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According to Hearn, Wilder had previously signed to fight Joshua before his unanimous decision loss to Joseph Parker derailed plans for what would have been one of boxing's most anticipated matchups.
Prior to that defeat to Parker, Wilder had been on a downward spiral that has left him looking "a shadow of his former hardest-hitting self", according to boxing insiders.
The Parker loss was particularly significant as it scrapped what would have been a lucrative showdown with AJ.
The Bronze Bomber's upcoming bout against fellow American Herndon represents a chance to salvage his reputation.
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Deontay Wilder also lost to Joseph Parker
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Herndon enters the contest with a professional record of 24-5 and is considered a massive underdog against the former WBC heavyweight champion.
At 39 years old, time is running out for The Bronze Bomber, who has faced widespread calls to retire following his devastating loss to Zhang.
Many boxing experts believe this June fight represents Wilder's last opportunity to prove he still belongs at the elite level.
Speaking to FightHype.com, Hearn revealed that, whilst the Joshua-Wilder fight isn't currently on the cards, it could be revived if Wilder starts winning again.
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"If [Wilder] keeps winning, maybe people can talk about that fight. It's definitely not a fight that I rule out, but people don't give Wilder much shot against AJ right now, but hopefully he can start looking good again."
Hearn believes Wilder has lost the aura that once made him boxing's most feared puncher.
He explained: "It's funny how people can be so fearful of a fighter, and then all of a sudden have no fear whatsoever.
"I don't think anybody now would fear fighting Deontay Wilder, whereas at a point, everyone thought: 'Oh my God, this guy is the biggest puncher in the history of the sport.' Now, everyone wants to fight him, so we shall see."
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Eddie Hearn doesn't think 'anybody now would fear fighting' Deontay Wilder
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Joshua's own recent setback could make the potential Wilder fight more likely, according to Hearn.
AJ suffered a shocking knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in September, ending his heavyweight title aspirations for now.
Dubois is now set to face Oleksandr Usyk at the same venue in July, with the opportunity to become the first British undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis.
Regarding Wilder's next fight, Hearn remains sceptical about what it will prove.
"This fight isn't going to tell us much, apart from [Wilder] gaining the confidence of a win. If he struggles against this guy he has to pack it in, but I expect him to win, and hopefully he can win well."
Another current setback for AJ is an elbow injury sustained recently, that he is having surgery on this month.
When discussing the injury with DAZN, AJ said: "I'm trying to get my body right. I have got to actually have a little surgery on my elbow.
"A small surgery sometime in May. I'm finalising the details. That will see me out of the gym for maybe six to eight weeks, and then when I'm healed, I will be back."
Hearn reiterated Joshua's return to the ring, saying there is "no way AJ's not fighting this year."
For Joshua, the elbow injury gives him the necessary time to weigh up the boxing landscape, and book the next lucrative fight later on in the year - whether that be Wilder, Tyson Fury or another.
