Anthony Joshua’s hopes of fighting Deontay Wilder dented as WBC heavyweight champ agrees to Luis Ortiz clash

ANTHONY JOSHUA'S hopes of a super fight against Deontay Wilder suffered a blow as the American announced he had agreed to fight Cuban Luis Ortiz.

The two were due to meet earlier in the year before Ortiz lost out on his shot at the WBC heavyweight champion after failing a drugs test.

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instead produced a stunning first round knockout of replacement Bermane Stiverne before calling out Britain's IBF and WBA title holder AJ.

Ortiz returned to action last night and defeated Daniel Martz in the second round, with Wilder confronting the victor in the ring afterwards.

Via a translator, Ortiz said: " clearly doesn't want to fight you, he doesn't want to fight him (Ortiz), let's give the world this fight and make it happen."
Wilder responded: "Most definitely. Thank God that he blessed you again and because he blessed you, I'm going to bless you too.

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"I think you're one of the best and I want to prove I'm one of the best.

"So for the best to prove they're the best, the best must fight each other. So I'm going to bless you again with a second opportunity... I'm coming for you, I'm ready, I don't want no excuses!"

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Wilder "declared war" on Joshua after extending his unbeaten record against Stiverne and accused AJ  of "dodging" him.

Joshua is now currently negotiating with WBO champion Joseph Parker.

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But a potentially huge stadium fight with Wilder now looks like it will have to wait until the summer.

Wilder has vowed to knock out Ortiz, saying: "I'm always a man of my word... Luis Ortiz you will have your fight, I will bless you again.

"This time, no excuses... make sure you train hard because I'm coming to whoop your a**.

"Every man that's stepped in the ring with me got knocked out, if you step in the ring with me I'm going to know your a** out too!"