I want to fight Wilder in April
“I’m running the game. I don’t want to fight Tyson Fury, he’s not the champion”- Anthony Joshua.
London: Britain’s Anthony Joshua says he wants to fight WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder in April and has told the American: ‘I’m running the game.’
Joshua holds the IBF, WBO and WBA belts and any bout between the two would unify the heavyweight division. Earlier this week Wilder, who drew with Britain’s Tyson Fury in Los Angeles earlier this month, accused Joshua of ‘begging’ for a fight.
“I’m not interested in Tyson Fury he’s not the champion,” Joshua said.
The 29-year-old is yet to confirm an opponent for his next fight on 13 April at Wembley Stadium, with his promoter Eddie Hearn saying “it comes down to what Wilder wants to do”. Joshua told ESPN: “I’m willing to fight Deontay Wilder on 13 April in London. I don’t know what more I need to do to get that message across. He’s not 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.” Following the draw between Wilder and Fury earlier this month the WBC sanctioned a direct rematch. Joshua’s promoter Hearn has previously engaged in failed negotiations with Wilder’s team.