The verbal sparring between heavyweight boxing’s best fighters is still going strong with Deontay Wilder vowing to “end” Anthony Joshua’s career.
WBC champion Wilder retained his belt earlier this month with a first-round knockout of Bermane Stiverne at the Barclays Center in New York. Immediately after the sixth defence of the WBC belt, Wilder called out Joshua by declaring “war” on the British boxer.
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn said on November 10 that there was “no question” the two would fight at some point next year.
Wilder has ramped up the war of words in an interview with ESPN' Sports Nation.
Wilder, who has a 39-0 record with 38 knockouts, has made a promise to end the career of Joshua (20-0, 20 KOs) when they finally collide in the ring.
“Joshua, let’s make this fight happen man. This is one of the biggest, most exciting fights in the world history. We could make records, we could set history on the time of the fight whenever it happens," Wilder said.
“I’m ready, I don’t know about you. You’ve had it easy, it’s been breezy for you. You’re ready to fight low opposition and get paid millions of dollars and you don’t want that gravy train to end, but I am the man that’s going to end your career.”
Meanwhile, the IBF, IBO and WBA champion Joshua has warned Wilder that the American should be more “realistic” with his demands if they are to fight next year.
Talks have begun between the two camps and Joshua told Dubai Eye 108.3 that he doesn't think the fight will happen if Wilder overprices himself.
“I am not in the business of making promises that I can’t fulfil. I am working on getting this fight done. Providing Deontay Wilder is true to his word this fight will happen in 2018," Joshua said.
“It is simple business. We have worked with all-time greats like [Wladimir] Klitschko. We have managed to defend this title five times. If they are realistic about what they want, we can definitely make this fight happen.”