Deontay Wilder will be conspicuous by his absence at Anthony Joshua's bout with Joseph Parker tonight.

The WBC champion has been a huge part of the build-up, with AJ expected to fight him in the near future - though it's unlikely to be his next fight - if he secures victory against the New Zealander.

The American was originally expected to commentate in Cardiff, which certainly would have made interesting listening.

However, he cancelled those plans when he was told he would not be allowed into the ring to square up to Joshua after the final bell.

Despite the fact he'll be watching at home, Wilder's shadow will still be looming large at the event.

The 32-year-old will no doubt be sizing up AJ from afar and you wouldn't bet against Joshua name-checking him in the aftermath if he does win.

Indeed, Wilder admits he'll be listening out especially to hear if his rival does mention him.

Wilder is waiting 

"People want to hear what the fighters say, not what the promoters say," he told Sky Sports.

"This has become childish, so childish. I never thought I'd have to go through so much to unify the division or just to get a fight people want.

"A fight between me and Joshua has been talked about way more than him and Parker and this bill. It's been about me and Dillian Whyte and me not coming to Cardiff.

"Just say you don't want it. Just say you don't want to fight me. Even say this is a fight that you're willing to take but you don't want it right now.

"But after the fight? We'll see. I'll be like the rest of you, sitting there wondering if he's going to say my name.

"I am going to be sat here at home thinking the same as you think: is he going to say something about Wilder? That's the big question."

Eddie Hearn must know that in order to keep the public engaged, he can't keep putting off the challenge forever. That's how it's felt, at times, with Wilder adding:

"Do I think it's going to happen? Given the mannerisms they have been showing and the way they have acted, I highly doubt it.

"What I want to happen and what will happen are two different things. I want him to say my name and we will make the fight happen once and for all."

Do you think Joshua is running from Wilder? Have your say in the comments.