Wilder ready to fight AJ

Challenge accepted.

The highly anticipated unification fight that will decide the undisputed heavyweight boxing champion of the world is a step closer to reality after Deontay Wilder’s camp declared the American is ‘‘ready to sign and come to the UK to fight’’ this year.

‘‘We are really glad that Anthony Joshua said for the first time ‘I will fight Deontay next...’ and we believe he is a man of his word.

‘‘Deontay accepts the challenge,’’ Wilder’s co-manager Shelly Finkel told The Daily Telegraph.

The Telegraph has reported that Wilder is prepared to accept a 60-40 split of the fight purse, with London’s Wembley Stadium being touted as the first venue in a twofight scenario that would likely involve a re-match staged in Las Vegas or New York.

Joshua called out Wilder, who holds the WBC belt he needs to complete the collection, after taking the WBO title off Joseph Parker on Sunday.

Finkel said he will make contact with Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn this week.

‘‘We want to make it public that Deontay wants the fight, and we are prepared to come over, or meet here and get the deal done.’’