Longtime trainer and manager of WBC champ says “it’s a yes or no question.”
With the announcement of Deontay Wilder deciding against attending this weekend’s heavyweight unification clash between Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker, there’s been plenty of talk in the media from both sides in regards to the why’s and whatnot.
Hearn went on a rant [link below] about Wilder passing up a golden opportunity to help promote the potential bout between Wilder and Joshua. Hearn said Wilder obviously doesn’t want a fight with Joshua.
Wilder responded in an interview that appeared in Boxing Scene later in the day yesterday explaining his reasoning behind not going over to Cardiff. He also stated that he’s not interested in a Dillian Whyte bout as he only wants the fight with Joshua at this time.
While Hearn has mentioned guys like Jarrell Miller as possible opponents for Joshua next, team Wilder said they currently have their sights set on one fight and one fight only, there is no other guy they want to face right now but Joshua. Talking to 3KingsBoxing.com late last night Wilder’s Co-Manager Jay Deas said:
“We just wanted to be face to face with Joshua and ask him if he wants to fight? Does he want to be undisputed? It’s a yes or no question. If he wants to, then tell the world yes. If he don’t want to then tell the world no. It’s that simple.” said Deas.
“Anthony has the ability to make this fight happen if he really wants the fight. That’s why Deontay wanted to get in the ring with him in front of the whole world because it forces him to answer the question, yes or no. And if it’s yes then tell your promoter you want this fight but if it’s no then just say I’m not ready and we’ll make other plans. It’s just that simple.”
When asked about Hearn saying he would most definitely be interested in promoting Wilder, Deas said:
“Yeah, that’s funny. Hey I want to be general manager for the Green Bay Packers or the New England Patriots to right? But it don’t work like that. We’re happy with our team like it is.”
As far as any other opponent besides Joshua, Team Wilder may have in mind:
“Right now we want Anthony Joshua and we haven’t talked about anybody else. If they don’t want to fight Deontay then they can tell the world that and we’ll see but right now it’s all about one name, one fight and being undisputed.”
With a Joshua win this Saturday the talk about this fight will most definitely amp up, let’s hope the fans and the media is able to put enough pressure on so that this fight gets made. While an argument can be made that a fight against Whyte may boost Wilder’s profile in the UK, it’s really not necessary in my opinion. This is NOT a fight that needs to marinate or anything, the time for this bout is now!
By: Chris Henderson
