Anthony Joshua refuses to answer interviewer during spiky press conference

15 November 2023 , 22:26

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Anthony Joshua was not happy with press conference host Dev Sahni

Anthony Joshua was involved in some awkward exchanges with host Dev Sahni during a spiky press conference announcing his next fight against Otto Wallin.

Joshua is set to fight Wallin, who notably lost to Tyson Fury four years ago, on December 23 in Saudi Arabia as part of a blockbuster card that will also see long-time rival Deontay Wilder take on former world champion Joseph Parker and Daniel Dubois fight Jarrell Miller.

Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions are the lead promoter for the card, meaning rival Eddie Hearn who is Joshua's promoter has taken on a supporting role. As a result, Queensberry's Head of Media Sahni hosted the press conference much to Joshua's chagrin.

Following a heated verbal clash with former rival Jarrell Miller, who was due to fight Joshua back in 2019 before failing a drugs test, AJ turned his attention to Sahni. When asked about Miller, Joshua replied: "F*** Miller."

Sahni then responded: "But I do think you'll fight Miller one day." But Joshua was having none of it as he brutally replied: "You ain't my promoter to judge what I'm gonna do in my career."

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There was another exchange later on where Joshua simply refused to answer Sahni's questions, instead asking why Hearn was not the one quizzing him. Sahni said: "Anthony, an iconic night, an historic night, you're no stranger to these sorts of nights, tell us your feelings heading into this one."

However, Joshua responded: "Why isn't Eddie asking me questions? You're my promoter." Sahni has since responded on social media, writing: "How's your Wednesday going?" accompanied by the cold sweat emoji.

With both Joshua and Wilder fighting on the same card, it seems as though the long-awaited clash between the pair could finally take place next year provided they both win their respective bouts on December 23. And Wilder has said he is looking forward to "get it on in the ring" with Joshua soon.

"It is good to be in the same room with him, to see him face to face, it has been a long time coming," Wilder said. "I wish him nothing but the best and hopefully soon we can give the people what we want and get it on in the ring.

"I believe it is going to happen, it is about that time. But even if it doesn't, I wish him nothing but the best."

Matthew Cooper