Anthony Joshua means business: I want to fight Deontay Wilder in April
British boxing star says he’s ‘running the game’ in the heavyweight division
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
You are now subscribed
Your newsletter sign-up was successful
Anthony Joshua has called out Deontay Wilder and said he wants to fight the American at Wembley Stadium in April next year.
British boxer Joshua is the WBA, WBO and IBF champion while 33-year-old Wilder is the WBC belt holder. A super-bout between the unbeaten rivals would decide who is the undisputed champion of the heavyweight division.
“Bronze Bomber” Wilder drew with Tyson Fury earlier this month and a rematch remains a possibility. However, Joshua is clear on who he wants next.
Article continues belowThe Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Joshua, 29, told ESPN’s First Take: “He [Wilder] is saying I won’t fight him but, as I’ve said, I’m willing to fight Deontay Wilder on 13 April in London, so I don’t know what more I have to do to get that message across.
“He’s more interested in fighting Tyson Fury. Fury holds no world titles. I’ve booked the date in advance, booked the venue in advance. I want to make my point clear in front of everyone - I’m willing to fight any one of these guys, especially the champion Deontay Wilder.
“I’m the one leading the pack since I made my debut. Five years in, several title defences and I’m running the game. I mean business. I don’t know what more I need to do to get that message across to the world.
“I can handle my business and I’m willing to do that in the ring.”
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com