Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua have seemed very impressive of each other’s achievements in boxing. Although both men were world champions at one point, they have never credited each other briefly.
This weekend, Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua will feature in the same card in Saudi Arabia and take on Otto Wallin and Joseph Parker respectively. Upon winning their respective fights, ‘AJ’ and Wilder can potentially set up a fight in 2024.
However, the trash-talking between them has already begun. A few days back, Deontay Wilder referred Anthony Joshua as a ‘manufactured champion’ while calling himself a “born-champion.” This didn’t sit very well with Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn, who criticised Wilder in a public interaction.
Talking to the media about Deontay Wilder, Eddie Hearn said, “F**k me, is this geezer so deluded? I’ve never heard anything like it. Deontay Wilder is a born champion, not a manufactured champion!? The guy one the world heavyweight title against Bermane Stiverne. [Wilder] has never beaten any elite heavyweight in his entire career. He was losing every round to the geezer who’s about 40, can’t even remember his name now, [Luis] Ortiz. Look at his resume, it’s awful. But, he can really punch. He can lose to anyone, but he can also beat anyone.”
Deontay Wilder has lost only to Tyson Fury twice as a professional. Meanwhile, Anthony Joshua has lost twice to Oleksandr Usyk and once to Andy Rui Jr, as a pro boxer. It would be interesting to see who wins between Wilder and Josua in a fight.
Also Read | Tom Aspinall Criticises Boxing For Having Multiple Champions in One Weight Class
When Will Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua fight?
Titled ‘Day of Reckoning’, the upcoming boxing event would boast one of the most stacked cards of all time. The event will begin on December 23 at 11:00 AM (ET)/ 4:00 PM (BST). Fans in USA and UK can watch it on PPV live at ESPN and DAZN respectively. Per reports, the PPV Price has ben set at $39.99. With only one world title fight between Dmitry Bivol and Lyndon Arthur, Kingdom Arena will host the event.
Here’s a look at the full fight card.
Anthony Joshua vs. Otto Wallin; Heavyweight
Deontay Wilder vs. Joseph Parker; Heavyweight
Dmitry Bivol (C) vs. Lyndon Arthur; WBA light heavyweight title
Daniel Dubois vs. Jarrell Miller; Heavyweight
Jai Opetaia vs. Ellis Zorro; Cruiserweight
Filip Hrgovic vs. Mark de Mori; Heavyweight
Agit Kabayel (C) vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov vs. European heavyweight title
Frank Sanchez vs. Junior Fa; Heavyweight
