Anthony Joshua provided an intriguing response when questioned about the possibility of facing Deontay Wilder in the ring.
This surprising reaction followed Joshua’s spectacular victory over Robert Helenius, achieved through a knockout in the seventh round of their recent bout on Saturday night.
The outcome of this match is projected to set the stage for a momentous encounter between Joshua and Wilder, scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia early next year. Negotiations for this anticipated event are already well underway.
ANTHONY JOSHUA SLUMPS HELENIUS IN THE 7TH
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But when questioned about a matchup with Wilder in his interview after the match Joshua lied and claimed to have damaged his back. He said: “My back. Is there a doctor in here? My back’s gone.”
Joshua then added: “Because I’ve been carrying the heavyweight division.”
Eddie Hearn addressed this peculiar response during the conference after the match, acknowledging the possibility that Joshua’s claim might hold some truth.
Hearn elaborated by highlighting the current circumstances of the heavyweight division. According to him, Wilder hasn’t competed since October of last year. Fury’s most recent match was against Derek Chisora, and now the heavyweight is facing Francis Ngannou. Also, Oleksandr Usyk may not be as popular as the other top heavyweights.
Delving deeper into his analysis, Hearn shared his perspective on a potential bout between Joshua and Wilder. He stated: “I think he can beat Deontay Wilder comfortably, but he can also get beaten by Deontay Wilder.”
“I’ve always felt AJ can outbox Deontay Wilder. If he lands the right hand on Wilder like that, the fight’s over.”
At the upcoming event on Saudi Arabia, the lineal heavyweight champions of boxing and the UFC will square off for the first time ever in a combat sport event. Francis Ngannou has already started getting preparations for the match, hiring the great Mike Tyson as one of his main coaches.
Mike Tyson is a longtime buddy of the PFL heavyweight, and will serve as Ngannou’s mentor and coach.