Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder Archives

BOXING

Deontay Wilder: ‘Anthony Joshua fight is the closest it’s ever been. That’s the biggest fight in the world’

By Richie February 13, 2024

Both Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder are boxing on Saturday against different opponents, with the expectation that they will fight next year; “That’s the biggest fight in the world,” Wilder said. “Now the moment has come where it’s the closest that it’s ever been in history right now”

Both Joshua and Wilder are boxing on the same bill on Saturday against different opponents, with the expectation that they will finally fight in Saudi Arabia next year.

“That’s the biggest fight in the world,” Wilder told Sky Sports. “Now the moment has come where it’s the closest that it’s ever been in history right now. The closest that it’s ever been.

“I’m excited to say that. I’m not 100 percent sure that it’s going to happen. There’s a lot of things that has gone on, a lot of things that has been done.

“You can’t be 100 percent until that bell rings and that first punch has been thrown.

Wilder and Joshua have been linked for much of their professional careers, with substantive talks for a fight taking place as far back as 2018 when the pair held all four of the major world titles between them.

Previous negotiations however have always ultimately failed.

“It’s been that way for a very long time. That fight, it’s a situation where it’s been hot and cold and every time the talks happened, it always gets back hot and then somehow it would die back down, it don’t happen,” Wilder said.

“If I said I wasn’t frustrated I would be lying. It definitely has been a frustrating time and moment for me.

He claimed: “In my eyes you’ve got one fighter that really, really wants it and then on the other side you’ve got another fighter that don’t want it equally as bad as the other.”

Wilder though insists it won’t be distraction ahead of his fight with Joseph Parker that is happening this Saturday.

“You definitely don’t want to take anyone for granted. You don’t want to look past anyone. I’m not looking past Joseph. There are a lot of talks about other things that’s not related to him and I want people to understand I’m not looking past him,” the American said.

“Sometimes it’s okay to look through a fighter. It’s just like window shopping you’re going to the mall and you see that nice outfit or shoes or anything that you want, you’re just window shopping right until it’s time to be able to get it.

“So I’m window shopping but I’m not looking past him.

“Right now it’s about Joseph Parker and me getting him out the way and then we’ll see what happens from that point on.”

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BOXING

Anthony Joshua admits there is ‘no future’ to fight Deontay Wilder

By Richie February 13, 2024

Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder could set up a fight in 2024 if they both win their separate bouts on the same bill in Saudi Arabia on Saturday; 34-year-old Joshua will fight Otto Wallin while Wilder takes on Joseph Parker in Riyadh

Joshua is aiming to make it three wins from three in 2023, having already beaten Jermaine Franklin Jr by unanimous decision in April before sealing a seventh-round stoppage against Robert Helenius in August to earn a 26th professional career victory.

Saturday’s bout in Riyadh is a key clash for the former two-time world heavyweight champion, who has ambitions of returning to the top of the division, and he weighed in at 17st 13lbs, nearly 13lbs heavier than his opponent.

“Without Saturday night there is no future. Saturday night I’ve been saying all week is my main focus. Whatever happens in the ring, I know that’s where my heart is. I need to get this win,” said Joshua.

“If my prayers are answered, I’ll get the win. I’ve been focused, praying hard and, whatever God wants from me, I’m going to follow that path. I’m making sure it’s not just prayer, I’m following up by action as well.”

Amid talk of a proposed fight against Deontay Wilder, who faces Joseph Parker on the same bill, Joshua says he is focused on securing success on Saturday night before considering his next move.

“I’m a serious fighter, I’m a serious businessman, I’ve got a great team behind me and they’re handling business. As I always say, let me focus on what I’ve got to focus on,” said.

Joshua has recorded three career losses so far – beaten by Andy Ruiz in 2019 before Oleksandr Usyk defeated him twice – while the Swedish southpaw has only one career loss to date against Tyson Fury and claims there will be a “new king” on Saturday.

“I’m a small fighter. I’m a southpaw. I’ve trained for this moment for a very long time so I’m very much ready for it,” said Wallin.

“I know there’s going to be a new king and he’s from Sweden.”

Wilder and Parker will also go head to head in Riyadh, with the American coming into the bout at a lean 15st 3lbs compared to his opponent’s 17st 7lbs and the heavy hitter, who has claimed 42 of his 43 victories by knockout, believes Parker will have “never felt the power” he possesses.

“I’m just this calm and collected. I’ve been here many times before and I’ve fought his style before. He’s never fought a style like mine. He’s never felt the power that I bring and possess,” said Wilder

Parker added: “We’re here, we’re ready and I can’t wait. I’m going to be aggressive, go in there, execute the plan, follow the strategies and get the win.”

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BOXING

Deontay Wilder offers new excuse for Joseph Parker defeat that ruined Anthony Joshua plans

By Richie February 13, 2024

Wilder ruined a two-fight deal with Anthony Joshua when he lost to Parker and has now blamed his performance on travelling from America to Saudi Arabia for the fight

Deontay Wilder has blamed his poor performance against Joseph Parker on a 20-hour trip from America to Saudi Arabia.

Wilder missed out on a huge payday for a two-fight deal with Anthony Joshua by losing to Parker last December. ‘AJ’ turned back the clock on the same night by knocking out Otto Wallin in the main event and the Brit will now face Francis Ngannou on March 8 instead of Wilder.

‘The Bronze Bomber’ bizarrely claimed he was troubled going into the fight after spending too long in a cryotherapy chamber. The former world champion was then told that ayahuasca, a psychedelic drug, could have been to blame. Wilder has now pointed to a 20-hour trip from America to Saudi Arabia as the reason for his lacklustre performance.

“It was a boring fight, nothing really happened. I went right back to training the next day. He really didn’t do nothing, they just went off the little flurries or whatever. In the training for that I had to travel two times, 20 hours of travelling. And those guys were already in Europe, they were only 2/3 hours away. I’m not complaining, I’m just saying what I had to go through,” he told ESNews.

“Im still that motherf*****, don’t get it twisted. We’re putting ourself back together, so much s*** has happened in my life that I didn’t deserve to happen. At one point in time I lost the love for this business, even just to compete in it. i’ve rededicated myself back to this s***, I’m in the gym everyday now and I’m taking it like a job.”

Wilder has just one win in the last four years as he knocked out Robert Helenius after his brutal two losses to Tyson Fury. The American is taking positives from his loss to Parker and wants his next fight to be back in Saudi Arabia but refused to name a potential opponent.

“I’m ready for whatever, I’m glad I got the opportunity to go out in Saudi and get my own experience. We’re going to make some money and put on a great show for the people. The last outing has shown me where I was and where I need to be. That right there was a blessing in disguise,” he added.

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BOXING

Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder reportedly agree to a two-fight deal for 2024

By Richie December 21, 2023

Amid the upcoming ‘Day of Reckoning’ boxing event in Riyadh, both Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder have reportedly agreed to sign contracts for their deal that was already in place. Initial reports suggested last week that they wouldn’t agree to fight if any of them lost against their respective opponents. However, renowned boxing journalist Dan Rafael released a Substack feature in which he offers all the details of this deal. What he discloses means we are getting a whole lotta Joshua vs Wilder in 2024. Also, he wrote that the deal will be signed before the Saturday event kicks off. Likely during the Friday gala event that is taking place in Riyadh before the mega boxing night.

Joshua and Wilder agree to fight twice

Rafael revealed that both sides have already verbally agreed to fight twice in 2024, which means there is a potential to get a trilogy from these two. Knowing they are probably amongst the Top 5 most entertaining heavyweights in the world, the deal was reached knowing how many would pay to watch these two step inside a ring and fight each other. Aside from the Fury vs Usyk fight, this is the second best fight people want to see. Deontay Wilder is fighting Joseph Parker on Saturday and Anthony Joshua fights Otto Wallin on the same card. We will probably get a prelude of these two fights right after they finish Saturday’s event.

should both stars win their respective fights on Saturday, the stage might be set for either of them to potentially get a title shot against the winner of Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk. Although they have already ben defeated against them, that doesn’t take anything away from the fact that they are still inside the elite heavyweights in the world. Saturay should help us gauge how ready these two will be to fight each other

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Joshua has lost respect –Wilder

By Richie December 19, 2023

Deontay Wilder has fired an early shot at rival Anthony Joshua by claiming that the British boxer has ‘lost the respect he once had’ among fellow heavyweight fighters.

The pair are on a collision course and could finally go head-to-head next year, providing they can each win their bouts on the exciting The Day of Reckoning card taking place in Saudi Arabia on December 23.

Wilder will be taking on the experienced Joseph Parker, while Joshua will look to conquer his southpaw demons against Otto Wallin.

The 38-year-old, who last fought over a year ago, reckoned that Joshua’s defeats to Oleksandr Usyk have seen him lose his standing within the heavyweight division and explains why the likes of Jarrell Miller have been confident enough to fire insults his way.

“At the press conference, I didn’t need to say much about Anthony Joshua.” Wilder told Instant Casino. “Everyone, especially Jarrell Miller, had already said plenty.

“Even though I’m not a fan of Miller, he hit the nail on the head about Joshua. With him saying that, there was no need for me to add anything.

“It felt like a bunch of guys were already targeting him. AJ seems to have lost the respect he once had.

“Now, with a few losses under his belt, everyone sees him as beatable and doesn’t hesitate to talk smack. That must be tough for him, going from widely respected to this. When I’m around him, I sense it.’

After his bruising defeats to the Ukrainian, Joshua bounced back with wins against Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius.

The 34-year-old’s quest to become a three-time world champion sees him meet the impressive Swede, whose only defeat of his professional career came at the hands of Tyson Fury in 2019.

Should he come through that, a much anticipated bout with Wilder awaits and the American was keen to stress that only a defeat for either fighter this weekend could thwart a match-up next year.

“As of now, I don’t see anything preventing our fight with AJ.’ Added Wilder. ‘The only thing that might derail it is if either of us loses on December 23.

“But all the previous issues, like disagreements with his manager and promoter, don’t seem to be a problem anymore.

“Everyone seems on the same page. If we both win on December 23, everyone can look forward to an exciting 2024 with Wilder vs. Joshua.”

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BOXING

Anthony Joshua Says He Knows What Fight The Fans Really Want To See: “I’m 100% In”

By Richie October 23, 2023

Anthony Joshua has said he is ‘here for the fans’ with regards to whether or not he might ever fight current lineal and WBC world champion Tyson Fury.

Having not fought since his knockout win over Robert Helenius in August, Joshua is currently without an opponent or a fight date. There has been plenty of talk of a huge showdown with American, Deontay Wilder, but talks have stalled after an offer from Saudi Arabia’s Skills Challenge was withdrawn.

Fury, meanwhile, has two lined up – first he faces Francis Ngannou over 10 rounds in Riyadh on October 28, and should he get through that there is a much anticipated undisputed clash with Oleksandr Usyk, who holds the WBA, WBO and IBF belts he won off Joshua.

The hope is that once that fight has happened, it might finally be time for the two best British heavyweights of their generation to face off.

With that in mind, Martin Brundle of Sky Sports F1 recently asked Joshua was whether the fight with Fury will ever be made.

Joshua then went on to reveal his fight plans for the next six or so months

Joshua has recently been linked to a fight against Filip Hrgovic, which after a recent ruling could have the IBF world title on the line.

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Anthony Joshua Bombshell: Deontay Wilder fight will potentially join forces with Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk Spectacle

By Richie October 23, 2023

It looks like Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder are going to reignite heavyweight boxing.

Heavyweight boxing has long been a subject of relentless criticism from the fight world for its apprehension of pairing up top-tier talents and champions. As per the latest reports, all that is about to change.

Per a report by Boxing News 24/7, Joshua has said to BBC that his super fight against ‘The Bronze Bomber’ would be paired up alongside the Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk undisputed clash.

Earlier this month, ‘The Gypsy King’ confirmed the undisputed clash on Instagram. The fight is being targeted for this December or January next year.

However, Fury is scheduled to face former UFC heavyweight kingpin Francis Ngannou later this month, so many, including Joshua, are wary about the WBC champion’s ability to fight in such a turnaround.

Talking about fighting Wilder on the same card as the heavyweight unification bout, Anthony Joshua said:

The former unified champion is 26-3 in his career. In his most recent fight, ‘AJ’ overcame early adversity to knock out Robert Helenius in the seventh round.

After failing to reclaim his WBC championship against Fury, Deontay Wilder also defeated Helenius in his most recent fight. However, ‘The Bronze Bomber’ clinched a more convincing win against the Swede, knocking him out in the first round.

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‘It certainly won’t be by January’: Eddie Hearn talks status of a proposed Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder fight

By Richie October 18, 2023

Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn talks to Fight Hype about the much discussed fight between Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder that still hasn’t come to fruition. Hearn plainly says the money that was offered for the fight didn’t ultimately come through which canned their plans, and if that fight comes together it certainly won’t be by January.

Hearn on why a Joshua vs Wilder fight hasn’t come together yet

“All I can tell you is we got an approach from Saudi Arabia and Skill Challenge. We got an offer from them, we accepted the offer, Wilder accepted the offer, and the contracts never came.

“Now, should I have known that? I’ve done two fights with those guys, they were solid every time they said it’s happening, it happened, so in my mind it was done. But things changed out there and I understand that and respect it, so that’s put a spanner in the works.

“So now we’re looking at it, myself and Shelly continue to talk, but we look at Vegas and we look at some people making offers, some people wasting time against out in the Middle East, but we have to explore those options. So all I can tell you is January is definitely not happening.”

On Wilder’s trainer Malik Scott saying Joshua doesn’t want the fight to happen

“But Malik Scott talks so much shit. Like he also said it was my fault — we weren’t even involved in the negotiations. So the situation is we were offered a deal that we accepted. Now it’s not my fault now that some of the alternatives might not be the number anywhere near the last number. So that just makes us consider our options. We’re also in line to potentially fight for the IBF world title against Filip Hrgovic or we’ll see what happens with Otto Wallin.

“So I don’t care about Deontay Wilder. He’s in his own problems. The guy ain’t fought for a year and his last fight was about 40 seconds. So he’s a guy that he don’t really want to fight, I don’t think. Joshua’s boxed twice in seven months and he may fight in December or January.”

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