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Deontay Wilder Ready to Fight At Wembley This Summer Says Manager

Written by Patrik Kuitunen on 3rd April 2018.

Anthony Joshua’s message to Deontay Wilder could not have been any louder or clearer on Saturday night after defeating Joseph Parker on points.

“Let’s do this,” shouted Joshua to Wilder while wearing his new WBO World heavyweight title.

Gareth Davies of the Daily Telegraph reported on Monday that according to Shelly Finkel, Wilder’s co-manager, the Americans are ready and willing to fight Joshua this summer in the UK.

“We are really glad that Anthony Joshua said for the first time ‘I will fight Deontay next…’ and we believe he is a man of his word. Deontay accepts the challenge,” said Finkel.

There’s been speculation about the actual chances of making the biggest heavyweight fight in world boxing happen but Finkel assures that they are willing to make a deal done as soon as possible.

“We want to make it public that Deontay wants the fight, and we are prepared to come over, or meet here and get the deal done. Deontay is ready to sign and come to the UK to fight this summer,” continued Finkel.

Joshua has stated that 2018 is the year for him to capture ‘all the belts’ and he’s open to jump on a plane and negotiate a deal in the US in order to get Wilder to come over to the UK and fight.

“I think 2018 was always the time to capture all the belts. We’re one away now. I’m not into the business of hype and talk. I’d love to maybe to go America with Eddie or Rob and see how serious they are,” said Joshua after his fight against Parker.

Promoter Eddie Hearn also insisted on the fight happening this year due to upcoming mandatory defences and other governing body related issue that might delay the undisputed heavyweight title fight massively.

“I think it has to happen in 2018 otherwise there will be major problems with the politics and mandatories. If they stepped up and actually were serious about the fight and serious about a deal that we are more than ready to offer them, it could happen next,” commented Hearn.

Finkel said they are ready to fight at Wembley this summer.

“We’re ready. Let’s do it. And anyway, unification fights always trump mandatories. A unification between Wilder and Joshua would push the mandatories back.

“Assuming it will be Wembley Stadium in the summer, we are ready, and if they are ready as they say they are, we want to get it done. We want the fight, they want the fight, the public wants the fight. There is nothing to stop it going ahead,” confirmed Finkel.

The split has been a talking point as well but Finkel stated that they are willing to accept 60/40 in order to get the fight done soon.

“We are happy to come over and meet face to face. We think a 60/40 split is fair. Let’s not have any roadblocks, let’s make the fight. If they want it in the UK, fine,” told the manager.

Hearn has expressed interest in making a two-fight deal with Wilder’s management. The first bout would be most likely held in London and the rematch in America, potentially New York or Las Vegas.

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