Malik Scott, trainer of Deontay Wilder, has revealed his belief that Anthony Joshua is ‘ducking’ a fight with ‘The Bronze Bomber’ and expects the Brit to take on another of his fighters.
At one time, a fight between Wilder and Joshua would have been the biggest in the sport. Still, to this day, a clash between the pair is spoken of – albeit without a world title on the line as things stand.
There were rumours that ‘AJ’ could fight the former WBC champion soon – and promoter Eddie Hearn has reiterated that the bout will happen in 2023 – but Scott isn’t confident.
Instead, the trainer insisted that Joshua should enter talks to take on Gerald Washington, who he also trains. He spoke to Best Sports Betting about the situation.
“At one time it looked like we’re getting ready to get a Deontay-AJ fight made, then you hear AJ and his team want to do other things.
It seems like he’s ducking all my heavyweights. You have got to fight one of my heavyweights, man, we’re waiting on you over here. You’re ducking Deontay Wilder, Gerald Washington is ready to fight right now, in top condition, mentally and spiritually and physically.
Gerald Washington is one of the leading names to possibly fight Anthony Joshua, It’s not a rumour, it’s an actual fact that he’s one of the options. And it’s something Gerald is ready for.”
Washington has a record of 20-5-1 with 13 KOs. After beating Robert Helenius in 2019, the California native lost once in 2021 to Charles Martin by TKO, and then again in 2022 to Ali Eren Demirezen in the same fashion.
Scott, however, is convinced he’s the man to face Joshua.
“I keep telling people, Gerald is a big, strong, heavy handed guy. The physicalities are there, but what we’ve been working on is mental stamina. And fighting at the highest level, that’s more important than the physical.
Gerald is better than ever, he’s hungrier than ever, and I can’t wait for you guys to see him. And I can’t wait to see him under the lights myself.
I’m very optimistic the fight will get made, especially at this point with the move they’re trying to do for AJ, that’s what makes me optimistic about it because I know the mission they’re on with AJ. And that’s not the mission I’m on for Deontay and AJ.”
Whilst Washington is perhaps not the big name that fans would pick for Joshua’s comeback, a ‘lesser fight’ has been advised by many respected trainers.
2023 is a pivotal year for the former two-time champion and even his most loyal supporters would admit anything but a win in his next fight will be massively damaging.