UNDEFEATED WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder has thrown down the gauntlet to Anthony Joshua after devastating Bermane Stiverne in a mandatory defence of his title.
After knocking his opponent out in a brutal first round at the Barclays Centre in Brooklyn, the US boxer called out to his British rival: “I declare war on you. Do you accept my challenge?”
There appeared to be no contest between Wilder, who is unbeaten in his professional career, and Stiverne, who was sent crashing to the canvas three times before the referee called time on Saturday’s fight in the first round.
His sixth title defence, Wilder now has 39 undefeated fights and 38 KOs to his name and wants to unite the heavyweight titles.
However, Britain’s Dillian Whyte believes he should be Wilder’s next opponent and he wrote on Twitter: “Let’s do this work Feb 3 at the O2. I ain’t never scared, fact. Will fight anyone anytime.”
Asked by Showtime Sports about fighting IBF and WBA champion Joshua, 28, he said: “I’ve been waiting on that fight for a long time now.
“I declare war upon you. Do you accept my challenge? I’ve been waiting for a long time. I know I’m the champion. I know I’m the best. Are you up for the test?
“A king doesn’t chase the peasants. A king takes kings. I want Joshua. If he doesn’t give me the fight we have other plans.
“The world wants Joshua, the world wants Wilder, I want Joshua. Joshua come and see me baby. No more dodging, no more excuses. Make the date, don’t wait.”
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