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Wilder challenges Joshua after London victory
Deontay Wilder has reignited speculation of a bout with Anthony Joshua, telling the British boxer "let's do it" moments after defeating Derek Chisora in a split-decision thriller at London's O2 Arena on Saturday.
Joshua's presence fuels fight talk
Joshua, a two-time world heavyweight champion, was ringside supporting Chisora in what was expected to be the veteran's final professional fight. The 36-year-old has kept a low profile since a December 29 car crash in Nigeria that killed two of his close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, and left him with minor injuries.
Joshua last fought on December 19, stopping YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in the sixth round to improve his record to 29 wins and four losses. After that victory, he expressed readiness to face longtime rival Tyson Fury, who recently ended his retirement to fight Arslanbek Makhmudov in the UK on April 11.
Promoter weighs in on potential matchup
Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, told DAZN before the Wilder-Chisora bout that the focus remained on a Fury fight, but added: "AJ did mention to me yesterday that, while he's here to support Derek, if Deontay Wilder wins in style tonight, it opens a big fight with Anthony Joshua."
Wilder, 40, made his intentions clear after the fight, fist-bumping Joshua and saying, "let's do it," before adding, "He's scared," as he walked away. Later, he elaborated: "It wasn't a few words, I dapped it up with him and I said: 'Now let's get it on.' I'm ready for whoever, long as these guys are in the heavyweight division, I am here."
"You can call me Mr Clean, because I want to clean up the whole division. The division is nothing without Deontay Wilder."
Deontay Wilder
Wilder's victory and recent struggles
Wilder secured his 45th win in 50 fights via split decision, with judges scoring the bout 115-111, 115-113 in his favor, and 115-112 for Chisora. Despite the victory, Wilder admitted he may have sustained a small hand fracture during the fight.
The American's form has dipped since his trilogy with Fury, which included a draw in 2018 and two losses in 2020. A planned 2024 bout with Joshua was canceled after Wilder suffered a surprise defeat to Joseph Parker.
Hearn confirms Joshua's willingness to fight
Asked about the post-fight exchange, Hearn told Fight Hub TV: "He said 'let's do it,' AJ sort of stared at him ice cold, but he would fight him no problem."
What's next for the heavyweight division?
With Fury set to return on April 11 and Joshua open to a Wilder fight, the heavyweight landscape remains as competitive as ever. Wilder's victory over Chisora keeps his ambitions alive, while Joshua continues to navigate personal and professional challenges.
