Undefeated IBF/IBO/WBA heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua respects Deontay Wilder's power inside the squared circle.
Joshua has knocked out all 20 of his opponents in his professional boxing career, so he knows how hard it is for Wilder to have now knocked out 39 of his 40 career opponents inside the ring.
Despite this, and Wilder's continued efforts to land a fight with the Englishman for some time, Joshua still doesn't seem interesting.
In a recent interview Joshua stated that he much rather fight Tyson Fury before stepping into the ring with Wilder. Joshua believes that outside of Wilder's right hand, the American poses no real threat to him.
On the other hand, he finds Fury is a much more well rounded fighter and would bring forth quite the challenge (quotes via Boxing Scene):
“Wilder, I think would be next [after Fury], and just for the sheer fact that his record proves he has a powerful punch,” Joshua said.
“But his powerful punch doesn’t come with an uppercut, it doesn’t come with a peached left hook. It just comes with a straight right hand.
"So you eliminate one or two of his main weapons and I think, you know, you kind of chip the tree down with Wilder. And I think he starts losing his confidence.”
Wilder retained his WBC title last Saturday night when he knocked out Luis Ortiz in Brooklyn. Joshua is set to defend his heavyweight crown against WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker on March 31st at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.
Sitting ringside for Joshua's fight will be none other than Wilder, who plans to confront the winner of Joshua vs. Parker. It should be interesting to see how the heavyweight title picture plays out this year.
What are your thoughts on Joshua saying that he wants to fight Tyson Fury before fighting Deontay Wilder? And what are your thoughts on Joshua's analysis of Wilder's skill set following his knockout win over Ortiz? Do you think that this is a fight that's going to happen this year? Let us know your thoughts on the matter in the comments section below!
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