Deontay Wilder throws spanner into works of Anthony Joshua showdown with major admission as Saudi face-off looms
DEONTAY WILDER has seemingly poured cold water on the prospect of fighting Anthony Joshua next.
The long-time rivals will both be in action on a Christmas cracker of a card in Saudi Arabia on December 23, taking on Joseph Parker and Otto Wallin respectively.
Saudi boxing chiefs are seemingly hoping both men get through their respective challenges and take part in a mouthwatering face-off to promote their long-overdue showdown.
Wilder, however, intends to fight the winner of Tyson Fury's eagerly-anticipated undisputed showdown with Oleksandr Usyk next.
During an appearance on the former WBC heavyweight champion said, "If you've got all the belts, you're gonna have to fight me.
"That's still my goal - wipe out the entire division."
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Wilder and Joshua, 38 and 34 respectively, were cordial with one another during last month's pre-fight press conference and even shook hands.
The American told Instant Casino: “I think I shocked a lot of people when I came with a cool, calm and collected attitude [to the press conference].
"But that’s me all day.
"There’s a time and place for all things and that wasn’t the time and the place to come out with all the ‘I’ve been waiting on you AJ’ or say something like Jarrell Miller said.
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"I didn’t have to say anything, everyone said what needed to be said, especially Jarrell Miller.
"I can’t stand him one bit, but he told the truth about AJ.”
Wilder is all too happy to face Joshua should the opportunity to face the winner of Fury vs Usyk fail to come to fruition.
Although he doesn't foresee AJ's long-time promoter and friend Eddie Hearn greenlighting their grudge match.
The Bronze Bomber told The Last Stand: “He don't want that fight because he's not confident in his product.
"Joshua is the only money-making fighter Matchroom has.
"They don't wanna see their business fall to the likes of me, someone that can end someone's career.”