Deontay Wilder, the former WBC heavyweight champion, has ignited excitement within the boxing world by hinting at the closest proximity to a long-anticipated match against Anthony Joshua.
The potential showdown between the two heavyweight fighters has been a prolonged topic of interest but has yet to materialize due to challenges in reaching an agreement.
While Wilder gears up to face Joseph Parker this weekend, Joshua is set to take on Otto Wallin on the same card in Saudi Arabia. If both emerge victorious, it significantly enhances the prospects of their highly anticipated clash in 2024.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Wilder expressed his optimism about the potential fight with Joshua, describing it as the ‘closest it’s ever been.’
“The biggest fight in the world is upon us. It’s the closest it’s ever been in history right now. The closest that it’s ever been,” Wilder stated enthusiastically.
However, he remained cautiously optimistic about the bout’s occurrence, acknowledging the uncertainty until the fight is officially confirmed. “I’m excited to say that. I’m not 100 per cent sure that it’s going to happen,” Wilder added.
The American heavyweight also shed light on the prolonged delay in organizing the fight, attributing the setbacks to intermittent negotiations and varying levels of desire from both camps.
“It’s been hot and cold, a situation where talks happened, got heated, then cooled down,” Wilder explained in the Sky Sports report. “If I said I wasn’t frustrated I would be lying. It definitely has been a frustrating time and moment for me.”
Nonetheless, Wilder emphasized that his current focus remains solely on his upcoming fight with Parker, refraining from overlooking his opponent amidst discussions of a potential Joshua showdown.
“I’m not looking past Joseph. You definitely don’t want to take anyone for granted. I’m not looking past him,” he affirmed, highlighting his commitment to the imminent task at hand.