![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Anthony-Joshua-and-Deontay-Wilder-e1699820922688.jpeg?width=600)
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Image Courtesy – Imago
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Anthony-Joshua-and-Deontay-Wilder-e1699820922688.jpeg?width=600)
via Imago
Image Courtesy – Imago
After years of anticipation, there is finally hope for rivals Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder to battle it out in the ring. However, Wilder is not so sure. The two fighters are fighting on the same card this 23rd of December. For the longest time, fans thought this was the closest they could get to an actual fight. That is till they announced a date.
ESPN informed fans that March 9th has been finalized as the date for the bout. The two would also need to win against their respective opponents on Saturday to be able to face each other. The boxing gurus are not much worried about that. Wilder, who has been pushing for the fight, is still a little skeptical about Joshua’s plans.
Deontay Wilder still doubtful about Anthony Joshua
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The discussion that started in 2017, between Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn, and Wilder’s manager, Shelly Finkel, is only now materializing. Unfortunately, they could not come to an agreement earlier, prompting Wilder to eventually pursue a trilogy with Tyson Fury instead. “Every time the talks happen, it always get back hot, and then somehow it die back down,” revealed Wilder, while speaking to Sky Sports Boxing. The boxer has on multiple occasions accused Joshua of ducking him out of fear. He has even targeted his team, claiming they are scared of financial losses.
“Now the moment has come that it’s the closest that it’s ever been in the history right now. The closest that has ever been and I’m excited to say that for the most part, I’m not hundred percent sure that it’s gonna happen,” said ‘The Bronze Bomber’. According to Wilder, till they actually stand facing each other and he hears the bell ring, he is still skeptical about AJ’s sincerity in facing him.
The Bronze Bomber takes a dig at Anthony Joshua
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Responding to a comment attributed to Joshua, Wilder clarified his stance on being dubbed as a co-main event. Wilder expressed indifference towards such distinctions but highlighted that if it were up to him, he would consider Joshua the co-main event and not him. According to Wilder, Joshua’s focus on chasing belts instead of facing him suggested avoidance.
Wilder emphasized that fans are generally less concerned about belts and championships. ‘The Bronze Bomber’ conveyed his confusion over Joshua’s conflicting statements. He asserted that if they were to clash, Joshua would be more concerned about the fight than himself. Ultimately, Wilder questioned Joshua’s sincerity leading up to the potential matchup.
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Fans now have two important dates to look forward to. As the Day of Reckoning inches closer, the anticipation heightens for the March fight. Who out of the two do you think would reign supreme and why?
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