Anthony Joshua says defeating Deontay Wilder would be the “cherry on top” of his career thus far.
The 28-year-old defended his IBF and WBA ‘super’ world titles against Carlos Takam in Cardiff on October 28, whilst America’s ‘Bronze Bomber’ destroyed Bermane Stiverne in one round a week later in New York to retain his WBC strap.
Thanks for the welcome Wales, until we meet again 🐉 #AJBXNGpic.twitter.com/yf73SOg3im
— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyjoshua) November 1, 2017
Promoter Eddie Hearn has stated his desire for ‘AJ’ to fight three times next year, and Joshua is hopeful that an agreement can be reached to face Wilder soon.
“There are certain dreams that you have but can’t remember and others that you wake up from thinking ‘wow, that was real’ and I just feel I can beat Wilder for sure,” Joshua said to Gulf News.
“The proof is also in the pudding. I’ve had a more stellar amateur career, and have a more stellar resume.
“The only thing I haven’t added to the pudding is the cherry on top and that’s the fight.”
One Champion.
One Face.
One Name.
-DeontayWilder #BombZquad#IWillUnify#TheRealestChampionInTheBusinesspic.twitter.com/iUHxQbeLIC— Deontay Wilder (@BronzeBomber) November 4, 2017
WBO champion Joseph Parker and Ring Magazine titlist Tyson Fury have also voiced their desire to fight Joshua next year, and ‘AJ’ says he understands the need to fight all contenders in the division if he is to be recognised as the undisputed “king” of heavyweights.
"Let's fight and prove who is the best in the world!"@joeboxerparker tells us he is ready to show just how good he is by taking on @anthonyfjoshua… 🥊🥊🥊 pic.twitter.com/sCKnWHbnhV
— talkSPORT Breakfast (@TSBreakfast) November 8, 2017
However, Joshua has vowed not to become complacent if he does achieve such status, given the continual challenges he is likely to face throughout his career in the blue ribbon division.
“You are never a true great until you finish [your career], that’s when you are truly appreciated,” Joshua said. “We’ll be making waves, but a king can never sit down for too long.
“People will always want to come to battle you and if you are a king in your sport you have to go out and defend your front.
“If I do beat Wilder or Fury, who knows, Wladimir [Klitschko] might decide to come back and then I have to get up and do it again.
“So, until I retire, I can never call myself a king or a great of my sport. I will have to continue, time and time again, to prove that.”
In my mind I'll always be the challenger 💭 #StayHungrypic.twitter.com/lOLYMTjDYp
— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyjoshua) October 26, 2017
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