The rivalry between Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua has been going on for almost a decade – dating back to when a bout between the pair would have been for the undisputed heavyweight throne – still the duo are yet to meet but Wilder has now declared how one potential stumbling block has been removed from any potential negotiations.
Wilder and Joshua finally seemed poised to face one another back in December, fighting on the same card where a win for each of them would have seen a formal announcement for the contest. Of course, as ever in boxing, it was not that simple. Joseph Parker whitewashed Wilder to put an end to any plans, leaving ‘AJ’ to instead take on Francis Ngannou – who he knocked out comfortably.
In an interview with Sportsbook Review, Wilder maintained that if he is successful in his upcoming clash with Zhilei Zhang then he would be extremely willing to travel to Joshua’s backyard for the fight and stage the showdown at Wembley Stadium in London.
“I have no problem coming to London. It would be amazing for me, but the only thing that would be different in coming to Russia than the UK is I actually have major fans in the UK, and I think they’re going to show up and represent me, even though I’m fighting their countryman.
“I want it. I’ve never ran from a fight, I never shied away from the fight, no matter what you’ve heard over the years. I’ve never run from anyone, I’ve never dodged anyone, I’ve taken the short end of the sticks just to make fights happen, that’s the god’s honest truth. I’m here, and when I’ve done what I’m supposed to, let’s get this fight on. I want the biggest fights possible that can be made, but it all relies on June 1.
“I will pack my bags and come to Wembley happily. When I come to the UK I am welcomed with open arms, it’s amazing to see the people and to get the gratitude and hospitality I get. It makes me feel like it’s my second home.”
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‘The Bronze Bomber’ went on to admit that, regardless of his dislike of Joshua, he has been impressed with the Briton’s u-turn since partnering up with his new trainer – Ben Davison.
“I like what AJ’s been doing so far, but only time will tell. Just keep winning and I’m going to be doing the same thing, I’m coming back with that fire and desire inside of me. And let’s see us meet. We won’t truly know until we fight and meet each other.
“There’s a lot that could be said right now about who he has fought to get back up to this point, but we’re not going to get into all that. I don’t care about all that. He got the wins and that’s all that matters. But we shall soon see, and I mean soon.
“Especially when you’re dealing with his excellency, I love that he’s a big boxing fan. We’re not dealing with the rankings anymore, we’re dealing with the power of money.”
Wilder will face ‘Big Bang’ Zhang on June 1st on the Matchroom versus Queesberry card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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