Deontay Wilder expressed his belief that Anthony Joshua is not brave enough to face him, even though he sees a potential bout between them getting closer than ever. 

For Wilder, the fight between the two can only happen if Joshua has the heart for it. He said: “Wilder stated, “Not only do I feel Joshua is intimidated by me, but I feel his promoter is as well. That’s why the fight hasn’t happened.”

While acknowledging Joshua’s statement expressing his willingness to fight Wilder, the American remains skeptical of his intentions. “I don’t want to say he’s 100% afraid, but I think he’s 75%,” Wilder remarked. Joshua, on the other hand, has always expressed his interest in facing Wilder but indicated a preference for fighting for the IBF title first.

Wilder, known for his knockout power, sees the potential bout as closer than ever before. Despite uncertainties in boxing negotiations, Wilder stated, “Nothing is for sure until it’s for sure.” He emphasized the ongoing progress in talks, stating, “The future is bright, and we are farther than we’ve ever been in history. I can say that with certainty.”

The two champions are trying to get back to the limelight after suffering losses that cost them their titles. Joshua, a two-time world champion, holds a record of 26 wins and three defeats, while Wilder, a former WBC champion, boasts 42 knockout victories in 43 wins.

The potential clash between Joshua and Wilder has been a long-anticipated matchup in the heavyweight division. Wilder attributed the delay to factors beyond monetary concerns, pointing towards issues with “heart, will, and courage” on Joshua’s part and implicating his handlers and promoters.

While a potential fight between the two seems to be on the horizon, we can only lower our expectations at this point and hope for the best. The outcome of Saturday’s fixture will determine a lot of things in the long run, and if all should go according to plan, then we might see the two former champions face off next year. 

Leon Osamor