‘Let’s do it’ – Wilder calls out Joshua after win
Wilder Issues Challenge to Joshua Following Dominant Win
Deontay Wilder, the American heavyweight champion, emerged victorious in a high-stakes matchup at London’s O2 Arena, defeating Derek Chisora via split decision. The result sparked an impromptu challenge from Wilder to Anthony Joshua, who was ringside as a supporter. “Let’s do it,” Wilder declared, signaling his readiness for a potential showdown with the British star.
Joshua’s Absence from the Spotlight
Anthony Joshua, the reigning two-time world heavyweight champion, has been largely absent from the headlines since a tragic car accident in Nigeria on December 29. The incident claimed the lives of two of his friends, Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, though Joshua himself suffered minor injuries. His last bout, a decisive sixth-round stoppage of Jake Paul, occurred just 19 days earlier, solidifying his 29-4 record.
“I’m ready for whoever, as long as these guys are in the heavyweight division,” Wilder later reiterated, emphasizing his commitment to the weight class. “You can call me Mr Clean, because I want to clean up the whole division. The division is nothing without Deontay Wilder.”
Fury’s Return and Promoter’s Strategy
Tyson Fury, who had been out of action since January, is set to resume his career on April 11 against Arslanbek Makhmudov in the UK. Meanwhile, Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn prioritized the Fury matchup, though he noted the possibility of a Wilder-Joshua clash. “AJ did mention to me yesterday that he’s supporting Derek, but if Deontay wins in style tonight, it opens a big fight with Anthony Joshua,” Hearn explained to Fight Hub TV.
After the bout, Wilder, 40, shared his perspective on the interaction. “It wasn’t just a few words,” he said, recounting the fist bump and exchange of words with Joshua. “I dapped it up with him and said: ‘Now let’s get it on.’” The split decision, with scores of 115–111 and 115–113, marked Wilder’s 45th win in 50 professional fights. However, his recent performances have shown signs of decline, particularly after losing to Joseph Parker in a surprise upset.
Post-Fight Exchange and Future Hints
Joshua, who initially appeared unresponsive to Wilder’s challenge, was described by Hearn as “ice cold” but willing to face him without hesitation. Wilder also hinted at a hand injury, possibly a small fracture, but remained focused on his long-term goals. The post-fight conversation, captured on video, hinted at renewed competition between the two titans, despite the outcome of Chisora’s final professional bout.
Earlier in the night, Wilder had held back in the fight, citing his thoughts on Chisora’s family. “I was thinking of Chisora being with his kids,” he said, before the decisive moments of the match. The exchange between Wilder and Joshua, now amplified by the split decision, has reignited discussions about a potential unification bout in 2024.
Boxing Schedule and Continued Interest
With the fight results, fans are turning their attention to upcoming matchups and the broader landscape of heavyweight boxing. The BBC Sport team continues to track developments, including the progress of Joshua and Wilder’s careers. Meanwhile, the video of the post-fight interaction remains a focal point, highlighting the dynamic tension between the two fighters.
