ANTHONY JOSHUA has slammed Deontay Wilder for ‘dodging and ducking’ an undisputed fight between them.
The heavyweight pair failed to agree a meeting despite two years worth of negotiations, before Wilder instead chose a rivalry with Tyson Fury.
Anthony Joshua slammed Deontay Wilder for ‘dodging and ducking’ a fight between them
Tyson Fury dethroned Wilder of the WBC belt in February Credit: Reuters
After a draw in 2018, Fury comprehensively beat the American in seven rounds this February.
Following the crushing loss, Wilder’s attention turned to making up several excuses for why he suffered his first ever defeat, and demanded a trilogy.
He also admitted to turning down a fight with AJ for more money in order to rematch Fury.
And Joshua feels relieved that the finger can no longer be pointed at him for why he never got to face Wilder.
He told Sky Sports: “He told the world that he ducked and dodged me.
“We offered him a fight for the undisputed championship of the world and he went down the route of fighting Fury.
“I’m glad we can clear that up and move on. As time goes on, it will all come to fruition and make sense.”
Wilder, 35, is not giving up on his pursuit to force through a shot at revenge against Fury, 32.
He has initiated a mediation to review his case after the Gypsy King tried to walk away from the fight, believing the immediate rematch clause expired.
It leaves Joshua’s hopes of a Battle of Britain up in the air, but his focus right now is facing Kubrat Pulev, 39, on December 12.
AJ, 31, uploaded pictures training for the mandatory defence, appearing to work on his uppercut.
He even posted on Twitter that it was his ‘favourite punch’ – the same shot that famously landed on Wladimir Klitschko in 2017.
After fighting Pulev, Joshua wants to turn his attention to the WBC title, the only crown missing from his heavyweight collection.
Joshua landing a devastating uppercut on Wladimir Klitschko in 2017 Credit: Getty Images – Getty
He said: “It’s always been my wish. Not just the WBC but competing with the toughest challenges that the heavyweight division has to offer.
“That’s the only way to get better, right? You have a tough night, you go back again, you improve whether you win or lose.
“Fighting for the WBC would be an honour. It’s a prestigious belt, it’s one that I’m keen on getting my hands on.
“When the time is right, the opportunity will present itself.
“When the WBC talk comes around? Hopefully people understand that: ‘Joshua is serious’. Which I am.”
Hearn slams Government for snubbing sport from bail-out and not understanding the importance of the sport on communities
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
