Former WBC Heavyweight boxing champion Deontay Wilder has thrown a shade at Anthony Joshua by saying the former World Boxing heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua does not “have the heart” to fight him, adding that a bout between the former heavyweight world champions is closer than it ever has been.
The pair are on the same bill in Saudi Arabia on Saturday and could fight each other in 2024 if they both win.
Joshua has since said he would “love to fight” Wilder, but is eyeing the IBF title first if he beats Otto Wallin.
Wilder is one of the greatest knockout punchers in heavyweight history and, while not convinced about Joshua’s intentions, remains hopeful of getting him in the ring.
“I’ve learned over the years especially dealing in boxing that nothing is for sure, until it’s for sure. And I know that’s a little bit confusing, but what’s understood doesn’t have to be explained,” the American was qouted as saying in the build-up to Saturday’s event in Riyadh.
“We’ll see what happens. The future is bright and we are farther [in talks] than we’ve ever been in history. I can say that with certainty.”
On a stacked card in Saudi Arabia, Britain’s Joshua tops the bill against Sweden’s Wallin after Wilder takes on former champion Joseph Parker.
Both Joshua and Wilder are on the comeback trail after losing world titles in the past three years to Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury respectively.
Joshua, 34, is a two-time world champion – having unified the WBA, WBO and IBF divisions – with a record of 26 wins and three defeats.
Wilder, 38, held the WBC belt from 2015 to 2020 until he lost to Fury and 42 of his 43 victories have come by knockout.
Joshua appears to have two potential options if he beats 33-year-old Wallin – facing Wilder or having a shot at the IBF title against Filip Hrgovic.
Croatia’s Hrgovic is the mandatory challenger for the belt held by Usyk, who meets Fury for the undisputed heavyweight title on 17 February in Saudi Arabia.
If a rematch clause between Usyk and Fury is activated it is likely the IBF belt would be stripped and open the door for Joshua to fight Hrgovic instead.
Joshua says he will not get drawn into what potentially happens next, but adds the “dangling carrots” bring extra purpose.
