Wilder: We’re at war, Joshua
DEONTAY WILDER has declared war on Anthony Joshua and told British fight fans to spit at their hero if he ducks his challenge.
The American, 32, flattened Bermane Stiverne inside a round to defend his WBC title in New York.
Wilder wants a money-spinning unification clash with WBA and IBF champion Joshua next year and is happy to go to England.
He said: “I’ve been waiting on the fight for a long time. I declare war upon him, do you accept my challenge?
“Joshua, come see me. No more hiding, no more ducking, no more dodging, no more excuses. I know I’m the best, are you up for the test? I will go anywhere in the world. The fans should throw lettuce and spit on him if it doesn’t happen.”
But Joshua promoter Eddie Hearn wants the fight to build further and his man is more likely to face WBO title holder Joseph Parker or a mandatory challenger next. Hearn is set to offer Wilder a clash with Joshua’s rival Dillian Whyte on February 3 at the O2 in London to lift Wilder’s UK profile.
But Wilder wants a two-fight contract that guarantees a clash with Joshua and said: “A king doesn’t chase a peasant. Kings chase kings. I want Joshua.” MARK SELBY has put himself among the greats, according to Mark Allen.
Selby beat Allen 10-7 to keep his International Championship title in Daqing.
Success for Selby in the new ‘fourth major’ left Allen saying: “He’s in the top five now behind Stephen Hendry, Ronnie O’Sullivan, Steve Davis and John Higgins. And he could overtake Higgins and Davis.” JONATHAN REA rounded off his dominant season with a winning double and record points haul.
Victories in Qatar took his points haul for the year to 556, four more than the previous best set by Colin Edwards in 2002.
Northern Irishman Rea, 30, won 16 races as he took the title for a third year running, 153 points ahead of Chaz Davies.
“It’s incredible,” he said. “To win 16 races is not normal. Right now is my time.”