Eddie Hearn has claimed in recent interviews that Deontay Wilder is in danger of pricing himself out of a fight with Anthony Joshua next year.

The WBC heavyweight champion, Wilder, is desperate to fight Joshua in 2018 and says he is ready for the bout but is getting fed up with hearing from Hearn instead of WBA, IBF and IBO champion Joshua.

“That’s just something Eddie Hearn has to say. Because he really. Does. Not. Want. This. Fight. But he done said too much. So the next thing to do, strategy-wise, is to put it [on] the purses," Wilder told Boxing News Online.

“We’re both putting our lives on the line. We’re risking everything for people’s entertainment. Give the people what they want, and let’s make this fight happen. He’s a fighter, I’m a fighter, and that’s all that matters. Let’s see who’s the best.

"If they don’t want to go by that, if they don’t want to fight, then so be it. But at the end of the day, I’m still gonna be talking. I’m still gonna say I’m the best until I’m proven wrong.”

Of course, it is not the first time Wilder has attacked Joshua's promoter. He has previously accused Hearn of 'brainwashing' fans and doesn't like how often he tends to speak on his client's behalf.

“It seems like Eddie Hearn is more into the fight than Joshua,” the 32-year-old told Sky Sports News.

“All Eddie Hearn does is spread lies to you guys, he’s been brainwashing you guys for too long. Eddie is scared of this fight, he doesn’t want this fight to happen."

Before talks with Joshua can resume, the American looks all set to face another heavyweight titan in the form of Luis Ortiz in March.

Nevertheless, there is little doubt Wilder is already looking ahead to a huge unification clash against Joshua towards the end of 2018 and remains extremely confident he can end the Brit's unbeaten streak.

He added: “I know England wants it, I know America wants it. Let’s bring these two countries together and put on one of the greatest, most magnificent fights in boxing history. Let’s do it right now.”

“I think I’m the better fighter. Period. I don’t think he’s gonna survive in that ring with me. And I tell people, don’t be surprised if I knock him out in the first round."