The world of boxing witnessed a dramatic change in scenario this weekend as Deontay Wilder confirmed his next fight against Tyson Fury set to take place in Las Vegas in autumn this year.

After months of failed talks with Anthony Joshua, Wilder admitted that the Fury bout will present him with the opportunity to prove himself to his critics as well as AJ himself.

Moreover, the American star has disclosed the reason behind his thought process to accept the fight against Fury.

He claims that by agreeing to contest Fury with the WBC heavyweight belt on the line, his main motive was to wind up both Joshua and his promoter Eddie Hearn.

Fury has registered back-to-back wins since returning to the boxing ring earlier this summer and although an official announcement is yet to be made on his potential fight vs Wilder, promoter Frank Warren asserted that details will be released later this week.

According to certain sources, a November encounter appears to be on the cards.

Meanwhile, Joshua will be taking on Alexander Povetkin at Wembley for the defence of his WBA, IBF and WBO titles on September 22.

April 13, 2019, has also been booked for AJ and it remains to be seen who of Fury, Wilder and Dillian Whyte becomes his eventual opponent, if the Brit successfully defends his titles against Povetkin.

Wilder was present at ringside to witness Fury in action against Pianeta on Saturday in Belfast, with the limelight quickly shifting moments after the conclusion of the fight to him facing Fury next.

Asked if Joshua and Hearn would be keeping a close watch on the proceedings, the Bronze Bomber said: “Oh yes, keep talking about it, it feels good.

“They're already... I mean even when the fight was announced they were already sceptical about it.

“They didn't think it was going to happen but me and Tyson talk personally and I was telling my team: 'I really think he wants it – I can feel it.

“From the discussion we were having, and what he was saying – he's a man of his word. The things that have happened to me trying to make a big fight, everybody could see what the situation was. People could see what was happening [with Joshua].

“Tyson felt sorry for it – he felt sorry that people were laughing at the UK and they are. They are because of the big facade that they've built around Joshua. Then for him to let people down in that way, and not fight the best, it really put a sour taste in people's mouths. Especially in America.

“It really put a sour taste in the mouth and it has really damaged his name. Not his career yet, because he still has the opportunity to turn it around but his name they have damaged that.

“Now he looks like a protected fighter – every bit of it, 100 per cent. But it's not too late for him.”

The WBC champion was highly critical of Joshua’s credibility in the division and why he rates the Gypsy King higher than his compatriot.

“Joshua only got his name off of beating Wladimir Klitschko, a guy that had already been beaten [by Fury] and coming off a two-year lay-off,” continued Wilder.

“That's why Fury gets the credibility – he beat 'the champ'. He took the belt from 'the man'. That's why he gets so much respect and credit for me.

“I think this is a much bigger fight than the Joshua fight if you ask me.”

Wilder didn’t sound too optimistic about the prospect of the Joshua clash coming to fruition, even in 2019.

“We already know they're not fighting me in April,” added the London 2012 Olympic gold medallist.

“Eddie already revealed it, he slipped up and said it. So it could be a while before we fight but we are going to continue to do our thing. Beating Fury will move our negotiating position tremendously.

“And once I beat Fury, there are no questions about who the man in the division is. If they continue to pick other people then god bless them."

“I believe it can happen but only through the power of the fans. I think he is going to have to be forced to do it. You guys, the fans over here have the power to do that. You're doing that with the ticket sales now. This is just the beginning.

“Once I beat Fury and Joshua is still avoiding me, this can't be a lost cause.”