Prove you are the best, Joshua challenges Wilder

Anthony Joshua has issued a rallying cry to Deontay Wilder for a huge heavyweight clash later this year, reports express.co.uk. Joshua and Wilder are the two world heavyweight champions in boxing.

Joshua holds the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO belts, while Wilder is in possession of the WBC strap.

Wilder last fought against Fury to a split decision draw back in December and retained his title while Joshua knocked out Alexander Povetkin at Wembley Stadium in September.

One would assume that Joshua versus Wilder was the fight to make next but negotiations took a few sour turns before Joshua settled on Jarrell Miller and then Andy Ruiz, and Wilder picked Dominic Breazeale.

Wilder’s team have noted in recent weeks that they are not planning on fighting Joshua this year and that talks would resume in 2020.

The Alabama native also turned down a huge offer from streaming network DAZN to make the Joshua fight which included a rematch option, as well as another bout, with figures reportedly totalling to $100m.

But Joshua, who spoke to TMZ, is still campaigning for the undisputed fight.

“I want Wilder, he’s got that belt [I need],” he said.

“I got the four belts – the WBA, the WBO, IBO and IBF – I just need the WBC.
“If he’s ready and wants to prove he’s the best in the world, [Wilder] can come see me.”

But Joshua first has to focus on his clash with Ruiz, who many believe will be bowled over by ‘AJ’ in a few rounds.

His rotund figure, coupled with his lesser-known name, are leading fans to believe that the fight will be one of the easiest in Joshua’s career.

Plenty think, however, that Ruiz poses a far more significant threat to Joshua’s career than Miller ever did.

“Andy Ruiz is a strong, Mexican fighter,” Joshua added.

“You know how the Mexicans do, they come to fight, they are filled with heart. If they don’t know him now, they will get to know him if they don’t know him already.

“He’s fighting to become the heavyweight champion of the world. Even if that was you, and you had the opportunity, I’m sure that you would be training and push yourself.

“And him being a fighter and having this opportunity, I’m sure that he knows what’s at stake. He’s gonna come game.”