Nigerian-born heavyweight boxer, Anthony Olaseni Oluwafemi Joshua may return to the roped square earlier than expected, should talk about ‘a build-up fight’ against USA’s Deontay Wilder become a reality.
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Sports247 reports that speculation about ‘AJ’ taking on ‘The Bronze Bomber’ first came into the public purview when the American former World Boxing Council (WBC) champion threw up a verbal challenge after his latest victory.
It happened just last weekend, when Wilder eked out a split decision victory over British-Zambia fighter, Derek Chisora at London’s O2 Arena, and he immediately called out Joshua by shouting, “Let’s do it.”
Although Joshua is yet to comment on the prospect of taking on The Alabama slammer, the Nigerian-born former two-time champion’s promoter, Eddie Hearn is keen on accepting Wilder’s challenge as a preparation bout for his client.
While admitting that Joshua is still recovering from the December 29th accident he survived in Ogun State, but lost two of his close friends in the crash, Hearn pointed out that the London 2012 Olympian is set to fight Tyson Fury later this year.
The Matchroom Boxing chief executive is now touting a bout with Wilder as preparation point for Joshua before stepping into the ring for a much-awaited and highly anticipated all-British battle with ‘The Gypsy King.’
Hearn added: “We need a warm-up fight before we fight Tyson Fury! Because AJ is coming off an accident, he’s rehabilitating his body. We’ll take Deontay Wilder as a warm up fight!! And then we’ll fight Tyson Fury in December.”
Sports247 recalls that Joshua and Wilder were initially on course to tango in 2018 when they both held all the heavyweight belts, but the American opted instead to face Fury, who he fought to a controversial draw in December of the same year.
