Anthony Joshua wants to fight Deontay Wilder More than anyone!
Well it seems that unified heavyweight champion and king of the UK boxing scene Anthony “AJ” Joshua (23-1, 21 KO’s) is not done throwing curveballs. Recently, the generally cheery pugilist provided the boxing world a serious oddity.
UK HANDICAP MATCH?!
This oddity came in the form of a revelation, in which AJ offered to help his direct rival, Tyson “Gypsy King” Fury (29-0-1, 20 KO’s), prepare for his upcoming rematch with WBC world heavyweight champion Deontay “Bronze Bomber” Wilder (42-0-1, 41 KO’s).
There was heavy speculation that the so-called temporary truce was uttered ‘tongue-in-cheek’. However, Joshua would double down on the proposal in a later interview. Ultimately, Joshua had a frightfully simple rationale for his announcement.
In his mind, AJ thought that between the two fighters, Fury and Wilder, Fury would fight him first.
Sold on that premise, Joshua is willing to help the Gypsy King aid Fury in defeating Wilder. Theoretically, once done, and Fury had the WBC title, he and the Gypsy King would face off for all the marbles.
If this worked out, would Joshua then be in the crowd cheering the Gypsy King on during his rematch? It all seems rather odd. When is the last time you saw a unified champion assisting a beltless challenger to defeat another belt-carrying champion? Regardless of what outsiders thought, Joshua said he had a plan.
NEW DAY, NEW SCRIPT
Similar to James McAvoy’s wildly popular lead character in Split, asking Joshua the same questions at different points in time will often yield drastically different responses! Remaining true to his ever-changing liquid narratives, the champion has switched lanes again.
Now, less than two weeks since offering his services to Fury, AJ has doubled back, now preferring Wilder next.
“It’s not so much stylistically or so much of a grudge. It’s just that I’ve got four of the belts and I want the last one, so Deontay Wilder would be my preference.
“Honestly, since I’ve been back, it’s been two weeks and I haven’t even had a chance to think of, let alone my New Year’s resolution, let alone who I’m going to be fighting next.”
Joshua committed this about-face while conducting an interview with RT.com. When asked point-blank who he would most want to face next, the UK superstar stated that the Bronze Bomber is a top his list. The information certainly undermined, if not contradicted, his intentions to help Fury train.
If AJ really wanted Wilder next, why would he try to align himself with Fury? It is all rather quizzical. Yet, this is just the wild rollercoaster ride that the heavyweight division has become these days.
In the end will all have to just wait and see how it plays out.
“Whoever’s the better opponent would be ideal for me. I’m not too fussed. If you look down the record, we’ve fought champions, great fighters.
“So, another one on that list would be an honor for me because I think it builds legacy. I don’t really shy away from a challenge. So, whoever steps up first will definitely get the opportunity to try and take my belts.”
By: Bakari Simpson
