Deontay Wilder claims he heard rumour Anthony Joshua was planning to retire after Otto Wallin fight, but Joseph Parker loss changed his mind

26/12/2023 15:12

Deontay Wilder has made some unexpected claims following his defeat to Joseph Parker.

The American former heavyweight world champion was beaten on the same card as Anthony Joshua’s victory over Otto Wallin on Saturday night.

Before the fight, Joshua and Wilder signed contracts to meet on March 9, if they both emerged victorious.

However, the Bronze Bomber’s defeat scuppered these plans.

Now though, he’s claimed that he doesn’t believe AJ would have fought him anyway.

"They really don't want that fight,” Wilder told 78SPORTSTV, “When I lost did you see how happy he was coming out? 'Now I can escape.'

“I broke out laughing, I said, 'That n***a's happy as f***.'

“I made him able to perform like that. He was like, 'I ain't gotta fight Wilder.'

“The rumour was he was talking about retiring if I won…

“One gentleman, he overheard them talking and he came back and told me what he heard, and their plans.

“They don’t really have true intentions of fighting me, they can say what they want, but I know for sure.

“My heart is shattered because I wanted to know what would have become of that.

“They can escape now if they want to…

“March 9, the fight still can go on. But this is a perfect way for them to get out."