Anthony Joshua insists he would aim for an early knockout if he stepped into the ring with Deontay Wilder.
WBC heavyweight champion Wilder possesses one of the hardest right hands the sport has ever seen, knocking out 41 of his 42 professional opponents so far.
And boxing fans across the globe are desperate to see him cross paths with unified chief Joshua, who recently reclaimed his WBA ‘Super’, IBF and WBO titles by coming out on top in a highly-anticipated rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr.
The Brit’s promoter Eddie Hearn has failed to reach an agreement with Wilder’s team over the last few years, yet there is still hope they can strike a deal if the American comes through his rematch with Tyson Fury on February 22.
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Wilder heads into that rematch in stunning form, having brutally turned the tables on Luis Ortiz in their own rematch at the end of November.
Ortiz, who wobbled the champion when they first met in March 2018, was in full control of their second encounter before Wilder detonated an explosive right hand that left him in a heap on the canvas in round seven.
When asked what he would do differently to Ortiz against Wilder, Joshua told Sky Sports: “He wouldn’t be there to do that to me in the seventh round. I’d go in to knock him out.
”It’s heavyweight against heavyweight, champion against champion. This is a serious fight.
“I ain’t gonna go in there to try and outbox him for 12 rounds because of his punching power as well. I’ve gotta go in there and take him out.
“Don’t let him get too comfortable in that ring with me.”
4 Comments
Better speech, AJ. You’re now talking like a champion, which will inspire a lot of confidence us fans. Ditch the softie facade—doesn’t go with the brutal sweet sport.
BUT be careful with Wilder. That guy is soaked to the neck in technique, very refined, but at the same time raw and brusque with opponents. Remember he taunted you for allowing Ruiz to last the 12 rounds. He’s also counting on a knock-out show. That surely gives him the kick, naughty boy that he is.
Glad AJ that you’re speaking with confidence on your desire to knock out Wilder who’s a matter of fact still is not happy that you are the man
Because ever since you beat klitkcho, it has been a big issue on who’s the number one and Wilder wants to prove that
Wilder has a great right punch no doubt . It all depends on strategy for you to beat him . Reason why Wilder has been having these victories is because he’s not really met his match
You have a task of showing him why you are the number . Do your home work . Because2020 is a must win for you against Wilder whether there’s a first win or a rematch should there be any …
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Wilder hasn’t really had a real fight. He has been dodging the top heavyweight fighters and is definitely scared of fighting A.J.
He has a record of 41 knockouts but anyone that is honest to himself knows that those should count a 21 because he fought all those guys twice and majority of them are lowly ranked except Fury and Brazil who are among the top 10 ranked.
To prove that you are the best, you fight tougher opponents and not having rematches with everyone you already had beaten , those don’t count. Wilder is scared and had threatened to freeze Dylan White out of a mandatory fight so I’m not really sure if we will ever see him fight A.J. Wilder is a hot air blowing mouth piece and not as tough as some people think he is. Mike Tyson and George Foreman confirmed it when they said,” Diante Wilder hasn’t fought anybody yet, rematch don’t count and Wilder is not the best.
That fight yeah, I can’t wait to happen. Anyway, which ever way it goes, has a Nigerian rep in it, as both boxers are of Nigerian descent. Up niiiijjjja… Up pounded yam/fufu/akpu… Surely representing into generations yet unborn.