The hugely anticipated heavyweight unification fight between Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder finally reached a breakthrough this week after months of negotiations.

And then hours later it was called off.

It was pretty fitting for a fight where it's still unclear who actually wants it, with huge talk from both sides never resulting in any obvious movement.

The reason for the abrupt call-off was the WBA finally demanding that Joshua defends his title against mandatory challenger Alexander Povetkin.

That fight will now take place in September, meaning any potential fight with Wilder will be pushed back to next April - if Joshua is still champion, of course.

Povetkin, regarded by many as the #3 heavyweight in the world right now, represents a steep challenge for Joshua, although obviously not the one he wants.

And as for exactly why he hasn't gotten the one he wants, manager Eddie Hearn was able to explain exactly why the WBA finally lost patience.

“So we agreed terms with Deontay Wilder some 7 or 8 days ago and we hadn’t heard anything back from the contract we sent them," said Hearn. "Eventually on, Sunday they emailed and said we’ll be back to you on Friday, which was bizarre.

"But the WBA had enough, they waited too long for Deontay Wilder and we move on and fight Alexander Povetkin which is really as equally a dangerous fight, #3 heavyweight in the world."

“Three months they’ve been waiting for a decision from us.

"So we’ve asked for, I think, 6 or 7 extensions and over the last 10 days, they’ve been asking us everyday ‘What is happening? You’ve got to fight Povetkin, he’s waiting, he’s complaining.'

“The WBA looked at it [Wilder's team delaying until Friday] and said ‘Waste of time, these people. Fight Povetkin' - and that’s what we’re doing.

"He’s not gonna lose a belt; he’s gonna beat Povetkin and then he’s gonna knock Deontay Wilder spark out as well.”

As for when we might finally see the two clash, Hearn was clear on the time and place.

“April the 13th at Wembley is a date we have on hold," he explained."If we can beat Povetkin and you win your interim fight, it’s there!"

"The fight that everybody wants! So we’ll see who’s really over the next sort of 24-48 hours.

"There’s no rush to sign it. If they want to take a week, no problem, but apparently they’ve only got two minor comments so we’ll see if they’re telling porky pies or not.”