Let's remind ourselves where Wilder was in his 21st fight

[drew1830]

It can get you better opponents than the likes of Gerald Washington, Chris Arreola and Artur Szpilka.

How?

We've already established that Wilder is the right kind of dangerous and the wrong kind of money maker.

What did Ortiz make against him? Upper six figures?

Why take that pay day to fight a 6'7" bomb thrower when you can probably make more to put yourself at less risk?

[LacedUp]

Joshua paid Martin 6 million pounds for his belt. An absurd figure.

On the other hand, Wilder himself has never had that big of pay day.

That's called buying a belt.

He paid him $5million for a fight. Many said AJ could walk into a banana skin, however I’ll let that slide for the sake of this conversation.

What did Wilder do more than AJ to deserve a shot at a belt?

[Sparked_26]

Tbh, if Audley Harrison is willing to face you. The risk vs reward argument with Wilder is moot. Lots of better opponents would have got in with Wilder. Audley the pacifist got in there. Self preservation is his middle name.

Don't see what the point in excuses are really. They didn't think he was particularly good at one time but with 19 fights and 19 training camps more than AJ he is where he is. Arguably the best heavyweight in the world.

Arguable enough to have the vitriol aimed toward Joshua from that side of the pond.

[PensionKiller]

AJ will beat Wilder.

Yes Wilder has KO power but he is also easy to hit and outbox. Parker and Ortiz have more skills than AJ / Wilder.

[R_Walken]

This is such f.uck boy logic

Fighters develop and get to the top for different and various reasons.

Who was Manny PAC beating in his 21st fight compared to Mayweather

It’s not what you’ve done it’s where your at

And right now AJ / Wilder are the clear #1&#2 HW in the world and between them have all the straps

So they should fight soon. That’s all that matters

[j.razor]

That he was fighting nothing but C-level fighters at that time and had absolutely no intention to step up in class anytime soon and was nowhere near fighting for any titles.

But the heavyweight division has been ghost town for like 25 years so what difference does that make?

[VatoMulatto]

But the heavyweight division has been ghost town for like 25 years so what difference does that make?

It means you're not ready, his team didn't think he was good enough at that stage. They wanted more time before they took him to the next level. It worked for Wilder but it also one of the main reason why people have criticized his resume.