Joshua ‘begging’ to fight Wilder
LONDON: Anthony Joshua is challenging Deontay Wilder to fight him at Wembley Stadium in London on April 13.
The IBO, WBA and WBO heavyweight champion had to watch as WBC holder Wilder and Tyson Fury fought out a thrilling draw in Los Angeles a fortnight ago.
The WBC has ordered a direct rematch, which if it goes ahead, would leave Joshua on the edge of the biggest fights in his division.
But Joshua insists he wants part of the action.
‘‘April 13, in London. I don’t know what more I have to do to get that message across. [Wilder is] more interested in fighting Tyson Fury — Tyson Fury holds no world titles,’’ Joshua said on US network ESPN.
‘‘I can’t control what Deontay Wilder does, what Tyson Fury does, or what they say. What I can do is control what I do and say.
‘‘I made sure with the negotiations I booked the date in advance, the venue in advance, and am making my point clear for everyone, I am willing to fight any one of these guys, especially the champion Deontay Wilder, at Wembley, April 13.’’
Wilder said this week Joshua’s team was ‘‘begging’’ for a fight, while the Briton says he would rather fight the American than domestic rival Fury.
Fury is the lineal heavyweight champion, having surrendered the belts he took off Wladimir Klitschko in November 2015.
He has been undefeated since but Joshua said: ‘‘I’m not interested in Tyson Fury. I want to fight the champion.’’ — BPA