By Tim Parsons-
Anthony Joshua, the WBA and IBF champion has indicated that his U.S counterpart, Deontey Wilder, is making noise on social media.
Wilder demolished former foe, Birnade Stivens in one round last Saturday. The WBC champion then issued out a challenge to Joshua , inviting him to a title unification to determine who the division’s best is. Wilder and his handlers believe Joshua is ducking him, but the 28 year old two belt champion from London insists he is not ducking anybody.
“There’s one thing talking and acting, but negotiations don’t happen over social media,” said Joshua.
“I’m serious about becoming undisputed heavyweight champion and we’re making sure these guys who are making noise will back up what they’re saying.
“It’s no problem if Wilder wants to fight early next year, but no offers have been made to me.
“Let’s present him with an offer, and see how they feel about that. If Wilder’s not making an offer, we’ll do it on my terms.”
Wilder looked awesome in the way he dismantled American Bermane Stiverne who w the only man to go the full distance with the unbeaten American- whose unbeaten run was extended to 39-0 with 38 knockouts. Wilder ridiculed Joshua for never having fought outside Britain.
“Packing out stadiums looks good but the money and Mecca of boxing is in America,” Wilder told BBC Sport.
“But if you want to stay at home like a little girl, this king has no problem travelling to knock out the champion.”If Joshua’s a strong champion, a true champion, you guys in England should smoke him out, make him fight. You should see if he’s the best.”
In an interview with IFL TV, Joshua added: “Deontay has called me out, which I did not expect as I’ve not seen any contract or offer in place.
“I’ve had to take it on, on my time off, to make plans to travel to America and discuss negotiations so I can become undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
“I have been taking challenges throughout my career, even as an amateur I was doing that and I fought for a world title in my 16th professional fight.
“I’ve never been in the business of ducking anyway, I’m not afraid of anyone”.
Joshua’s claim to have not seen any contract in place has holes in it because his promoter Eddie Hearns has been trying to secure a February date for Wilder to face Dillian Whyte, whose only loss was a 7 round knock out in the hands of Joshua. Wilder’s team have ridiculed the offer, calling Whyte ”ordinary, but there have been mixed messages from their camp because Wilder himself agreed to fight Whyte on the grounds it came as a package to meet Joshua. The fast talking and lyrical American said he would knock Whyte ”with one hand behind his back”. J latest challenge will keep boxing fans intrigued and wondering what will come next