Boxing News: Joshua Says As Long As Wilder Is Realistic

WBA, IBF and IBO Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua saysthat a fight with WBC champion Deontay Wilder will absolutely happen in 2018 as long as the American is realistic with his demands.

Wilder has made accusations that Joshua is ducking him on social media and recently said the purse should be split 50-50. Joshua and his promoter Eddie Hearn believe differently.

“Yeah, why not? I’ve always handled my business with negotiations behind closed doors. When things are done, I’ll announce them. 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 told Dubai Eye 103.8.

“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.”

Last week, Hearn sat down with Wilder’s managers, Al Haymon and Shelly Finkel, to begin the discussions for a unification in 2018. He says their meeting went well and everyone has a desire to make this fight.

Wilder and his supporters have said that Joshua is afraid ofthe fight because he may lose. In which the UK resident stated;

“Once you reach an elite level in any sport, you’re going to meet stiff competition,” Joshua said.

“But if you lose that does not mean it is the end of you. It is how you come back from that. Most heavyweight champions are two or three-time world champions because they’ve achieved; made a mistake; and come back better. That’s just the way life is. Losing my unbeaten record will never hold me back from competition because I thrive off it and it makes you a better person in the long run.”