Deontay Wilder has reignited talk of a long-awaited showdown with Anthony Joshua, telling his rival “let’s do it” after defeating Derek Chisora in London.
Wilder secured a split-decision victory at the O2 Arena, with judges scoring the bout 115–111 and 115–113 in his favour, while one card read 115–112 for Chisora. The win marked the 45th of his 50-fight career.
Ringside tension
Joshua, a former two-time world heavyweight champion, was present to support Chisora in what is expected to be the final fight of his career.
After the bout, Wilder approached Joshua, exchanged a fist bump and said “let’s do it,” before adding “He’s scared” as he walked away.
Speaking later, Wilder confirmed his intentions.
“It wasn’t a few words, I dapped it up with him and I said: ‘Now let’s get it on.’“I’m ready for whoever, long as these guys are in the heavyweight division, I am here.
“You can call me Mr Clean, because I want to clean up the whole division. The division is nothing without Deontay Wilder.”
Joshua’s uncertain path
Joshua has kept a relatively low profile in recent months following a car accident in Nigeria in December that resulted in the deaths of two of his friends. He sustained only minor injuries.
His last fight came on 19 December, when he stopped Jake Paul in the sixth round, improving his record to 29 wins and four defeats.
Fight back on the table?
Promoter Eddie Hearn suggested a Joshua-Wilder clash could now be reconsidered.
“To be honest, we’ve been very focused about making the Tyson Fury fight. But AJ did mention to me yesterday that, he’s to support Derek, but if Deontay Wilder wins in style tonight, it opens a big fight with Anthony Joshua as well,” he said before the bout.
Reflecting on the post-fight moment, Hearn added: “He said ‘let’s do it’, AJ sort of stared at him ice cold, but he would fight him no problem.”
Heavyweight picture shifts
A bout between Joshua and Wilder had previously been planned for 2024 but collapsed after Wilder suffered a defeat to Joseph Parker.
Despite questions over his recent form following his trilogy losses to Fury, Wilder’s latest victory has thrust him back into the heavyweight conversation.
