18 December 2023 , 10:57
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Deontay Wilder has told Anthony Joshua has lost the respect of the heavyweight division.
Joshua reigned as world champion over two spells from 2016 to 2021 before losing his titles to Oleksandr Usyk. He was also beaten in his rematch with the Ukrainian before beginning a long rebuilding job with wins over Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius this year.
The Brit is preparing to take on Otto Wallin in Saudi Arabia this weekend and, assuming he wins, will then face Wilder back in the Kingdom next March - as long as Wilder beats Joseph Parker on the same card on Saturday night. But the American believes Joshua has lost his shine.
“I didn't have to say anything [to AJ at the press conference], everyone said what needed to be said, especially Jarrell Miller," Wilder told Instant Casino. "I can't stand him one bit, but he told the truth about AJ. By him saying what he said, enough was said. I didn't need to come at AJ. It seemed like a lot of other guys were already coming at him. It seems like he doesn't have the respect he once had.
"A lot of the guys coming up disrespect him and say anything to him. And I think that's kind of a frustrating thing for him, to go from one state of mind - everyone respects him - to now losing a few times and everyone now thinks you're very beatable and we can beat you, so we're going to talk trash to you and get to you. That's what I got from [being around] him.
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"But for me he was all nervous. Nerves when it comes to me, because they don't know how I am. They don't know how I am in different situations, so when I came in that relaxed manner it really shocked him. And it shocked a lot of people. I wish the best for AJ, but it's been a long time coming between me and him; the anticipation, the hype, this is the No.1 fight in the world."
Joshua and Wilder have come close to fighting before, but a deal could never be reached. "Everywhere I go, that's the main fight people ask me about and one day soon it will finally happen after all these years of trying over and over again. Recently their side admitted they held this fight up; not taking the $50million, low balling me, flat fees and all that stuff," added Wilder.
"But with patience and time the truth shall reveal itself and it has. He's got to get Wallin out the way and I've got to get Parker out the way and may God be with us in those fights and when we come out safe we let the big games begin.”