Deontay Wilder wants to show Anthony Joshua who is the best in the world
Long-reigning World Boxing Council heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder (42-0-1, 41KOs) was not surprised by rival Anthony Joshua's (23-0-1, 21KOs) victory over his sole conqueror Andy Ruiz Jr (33-2, 22KOs) last weekend in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia.
34-year-old Wilder said in an interview with The Athletic: “Joshua won with a very safe and cautious style: hit and keep distance from Ruiz, who did not get into the ring in his best physical condition. Joshua did what he had to do to get the victory. He ran around the ring. Basically, he fought using the style of Wladimir Klitschko. That method of hitting and hugging. That’s all he did.
“Joshua looked undecided at times… his mentality was to survive after being knocked out by Ruíz, he could only hug and punch.”
Joshua was trimmer in physique and lighter on his feet as he skipped around the ring for 12 rounds, exploding his ramrod jab in the Mexican's face in a style similar to Wladimir Klitschko. He made the necessary adjustments following his only career defeat and executed his game plan perfectly to win 110-118 on two of the judges' scorecards and 119-109 on the third. Full report: https://britishboxingnews.co.uk/blogs/anthony-joshua-masterful-in-victory-over-andy-ruiz-jr
The Bronze Bomber believes that the two-time world heavyweight champion's display proves that he is actually the best heavyweight in the world, “Who can say that I am not the best in the world now?
“I am going to show the world and convince them that I am the best and that nobody is close to me, especially with what is happening in the division right now. It is time to show who is the best heavyweight.”
Wilder's last victory was a conclusive seventh round KO of Cuban Luis Ortiz in November.
“I give my all in the ring, especially when we talk about a heavyweight fight, fans want to see knockouts and emotions. They come to see something dramatic. That is what people want to see, and that is my mind and what I want to provide in each fight.
“I don’t know if Joshua and me will someday be inside a ring. But if it happens, I will show him who is the best in the world.”
Wilder is scheduled to face Tyson Fury on February 22 in Las Vegas next year and Joshua is bligated to defend his IBF belt to Pulev, which is being earmarked for April in London. With Dillian Whyte resuming his #1 mandatory position to the WBC crown after being cleared by UKAD, it means both Wilder and Fury will be tied up for the first half of 2020, causing a further delay to any chance of a unification.