WBC champion Deontay Wilder claims Anthony Joshua’s team are “begging” for a world heavyweight unification bout.
A bout between Wilder and Joshua holds the WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO belts – would unify the titles in the heavyweight division.
Wilder successfully defended his belt in a bout against Britain’s Tyson Fury in Los Angeles earlier this month after the judges announced that the bout ended in a split draw.
The WBC has since sanctioned a direct rematch after a “unanimous agreement” in a meeting of the board of governors.
“They’re definitely begging now. His management has been trying to reach out to mine all of a sudden,” Wilder told Joe Rogan’s podcast on Monday.
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn had previously engaged in failed negotiations with Wilder’s team.
“He could have had this opportunity, he had many opportunities; he could have fought Luis Ortiz, he could have fought me, he had a chance to fight [Tyson] Fury.
“But people want to know who’s the best, especially after seeing this Fury fight, and I’ve been trying to show people who is the best. I’m always going to say I’m the best until I’m defeated.”
A bout between WBC champion Wilder and Joshua holds the IBF and WBO, WBA belts – would unify the titles in the heavyweight division.
The 29-year-old British boxer is yet to confirm an opponent for his next fight on 13 April at Wembley Stadium, with Hearn saying “it comes down to what Wilder wants to do”.
“Wilder is our absolute first and golden choice,” Hearn said.
“Anthony will then become undisputed champion and then I think it’s only right Fury gets his shot as well.”
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COMMENTS
Joshua realized that Wilder is beatable at this time. Many people believes as l do that our guy, Joshua, can beat Wilder .
I think Joshua was being cautious, and in way not even 80% sure he could beat Wilder. With 3 belts, Joshua had more at stakes and more to lose if the fight goes south for him. Wilder only has 1 belt and would gain more with a win – with 3 extra belts and becoming the undisputed champion.
After the Fury fight, Joshua’s doubts are a bit cleared and he now believes he can handle Wilder’s notorious KO punches. Joshua likes to choose his fight, Wilder doesn’t care cos he thinks he’s a beast and can KO anyone.
AJ must tread carefully and tactfully. It’s a ‘conspiracy’ of some sort to ease him of his 3 world belts. If Wilder’s team gets him to Las Vegas, then AJ goes home without a belt. As much as AJ desires to fight Wilder, he should lure Wilder to Wembley or at worst, a neutral ground because the American can be shoddy just to ensure he doesn’t lose at home. We all saw the Wilder v Fury fight & the case of Mayweather.
Looking at the two camps, one of them have changed direction all of a sudden. AJ have always said he wanted the fight. So have wilder, only it’s clear he’s trying to dodge now. I gave you the opportunity and now I’m not interested is clearly dodging… Who shys away from being undisputed? Answer: an unsure man.
I really want this fight to happen. I don’t see anything special in this Wilder of a guy. He’s more of a street fighter than a pugilist. To me, AJ is the most refined, technically sound boxer in the heavyweight division. Let him just take on this guy and confine him to the dustbin of history.