Deontay Wilder wasn’t expected to struggle in the defence of his WBC heavyweight title against Bermane Stiverne in Brooklyn last night, but very few expected him to win so easily.Wilder was ruthless against Stiverne, knocking the Haitian down three times before the referee stopped the contest with seconds remaining in the first round.It was devastating stuff - and will certainly have caught the eye of Anthony Joshua.Everyone has been calling for Joshua, the IBF, WBA (Super) and IBO champion, with a 20-0 record, to face Wilder, and it’s almost certain they will now get their wish.And it looks like being the toughest fight of Joshua’s career.Wilder looked incredible against Stiverne, sending the 39-year-old to the canvas with a series of serious blows."I'm too athletic, I'm mobile, I'm hostile, I have the heart of a lion. I am the king,” Wilder said after he made the sixth successful defence of his title.
Wilder sent a message to Joshua after the fight
The Bronze Bomber then sent a message to Joshua, declaring war on the British champion. Wilder started his speech by calling Joshua "A juicing J".
"I've been waiting on the fight for a long time, listen 'AJ', I declare war on you,” Wilder said. “Do you accept my challenge?
"I've been waiting for a long time. I know I'm the champion, I know I'm the best, are you up for the test?
"They are trying to give me a peasant in [Dillian] Whyte but I want the king Joshua.
"A king doesn't chase a peasant, I don't chase peasants, I want Joshua. If Joshua doesn't give me that fight then we have other routes.
"The world wants the Joshua fight, come and see me baby, no more hiding, ducking, dodging, no more excuses, I know I'm the best.
"Let's make the fight happen, I know I'm the best, are you up for the test?
"I will go anywhere in the world. I was going to go to Russia [to face Alexander Povetkin], I will go to England as well."
There seems no way that Joshua can avoid Wilder now as boxing looks ahead to a brilliant 2018.
With Tyson Fury promising his return to the ring, the heavyweight division suddenly looks a whole lot more intriguing.