WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder (39-0, 38 KOs) is hoping that he eventually gets the opportunity to set the record straight in 2018 - with respect to the ongoing debate over which boxer is the overall ruler of his division.
Wilder is certainly in the mix for that discussion, along with IBF, IBO, WBA champion Anthony Joshua (20-0, 20 KOs).
The two boxers are certainly in line for that showdown for next year - if their teams are able to get on the same page with the financial terms.
Wilder wanted to fight Joshua in the early portion of 2018. That will not happen.
Joshua is in talks for a unification with WBO world champion Joseph Parker on a date in late March or early April. Wilder on the other hand, is heading to a likely defense against Cuba's Luis Ortiz on March 3 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Should both of them come through in their upcoming returns, Wilder is hoping to meet Joshua in the summer.
“We’re both putting our lives on the line. We’re risking everything for people’s entertainment. Give the people what they want, and let’s make this fight happen. He’s a fighter, I’m a fighter, and that’s all that matters. Let’s see who’s the best. If they don’t want to go by that, if they don’t want to fight, then so be it. But at the end of the day, I’m still gonna be talking. I’m still gonna say I’m the best until I’m proven wrong,” Wilder told Boxing News.
And Wilder still feels strongly that he might close the book on Joshua in one round - similar to the demolition job that he did last month in his rematch with former champion Bermane Stiverne.
“I think I’m the better fighter. Period. I don’t think he’s gonna survive in that ring with me. And I tell people, don’t be surprised if I knock him out in the first round. If I’m talking a lot of rubbish, as they say, then hey, let’s find out," Wilder said.