​Deontay Wilder Accepts Anthony Joshua's Challenge To A Fight

Deontay Wilder has reportedly accepted Anthony Joshua's challenge to a fight, with his manager confirming that he is 'ready to sign'.

Anthony Joshua became the pride of Britain again in his boxing win over Joseph Parker at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. In his post-match interview, he said he would be happy to fight Deontay Wilder - which is something that we would all love to see.

Now it seems that Wilder is also game.

Wilder's manager Shelly Finkel told Telegraph Sport: "We are really glad that Anthony Joshua said for the first time 'I will fight Deontay next...' and we believe he is a man of his word.

"Deontay accepts the challenge."

PA

Finkel added that Wilder's people will be making contact with Eddie Hearn, Barry Hearn and Matchroom Sport this week, stressing that Wilder is committed to the challenge.

Finkel said: "We want to make it public that Deontay wants the fight, and we are prepared to come over, or meet here and get the deal done.

"Deontay is ready to sign and come to the UK to fight this summer."

Wilder hit headlines recently after he made some fairly controversial comments about killing an opponent in the ring

Appearing on The Breakfast Club radio show on Power 105.1FM, Wilder was asked about whether he has sympathy for anyone he goes toe-to-toe with him in the ring.

The 32-year-old simply replied: "I want a body on my record, I want one."

While the radio show hosts chuckled a bit and compared him to Ivan Drago from Rocky IV, Wilder was deadpan. By the sounds of it, he was absolutely serious.

Wilder continued: "That's the Bronze Bomber, he want [a body]. I always tell people, when I'm in the ring, like I am the Bronze Bomber. With him, it's so crazy, when I'm in the Bronze Bomber, I don't really care.

"Everything about me changes. I don't get nervous, I don't get scared, I don't get butterflies, I don't have no feeling towards the man I'm fit to fight.

"I come here for one thing - to knock you out and go back home. The power that I have, it's easy to be able to do. I thought I had one time with [Artur] Szpilka because he wasn't breathing when he hit the canvas. Somebody is going to go."

Responding to the comments Joshua reportedly said: "It's not my job to kind of talk on what they do. Wilder is Wilder innit, that's what you're gonna get.

"I wouldn't want a body on my record.

"I say my little prayer in the corner. Pray for success. And I pray for his [the opponent] health. And I pray he'll be safe once he leaves the ring."

Topics: SPORT, News, Anthony Joshua, Boxing, sport news, Deontay Wilder

Jess Hardiman

Jess is a journalist at LADbible who graduated from Manchester University with a degree in Film Studies, English Language and Linguistics - indecisiveness at its finest, right there. She also works for FOODbible and its sister page Seitanists, which are both a safe haven for her to channel a love for homemade pasta, fennel and everything else in between. You can contact Jess at [email protected].

@Jess_Hardiman