Deontay Wilder shows Anthony Joshua love at press conference as heavyweight rivals show their respect ahead of Saudi bill

15/11/2023 21:30

Deontay Wilder told heavyweight rival Anthony Joshua he wishes him ‘nothing but the best’ as they met face-to-face in London on Wednesday.

Fans have been desperate for a bout between the two since AJ picked up his first world title in 2016, and it was hoped they would face each other next.

Wilder showed his respect to rival Joshua ahead of the Saudi bonanza in December

All respect for @anthonyjoshua from @BronzeBomber

Tune-in now #DayOfReckoning | #RiyadhSeason | @Turki_alalshikh
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) November 15, 2023

Both men have publicly voiced their desire in recent weeks to finally agree terms, but a signed contract continues to elude boxing fans for the time being.

Though the duo will be in action on the same night in Saudi Arabia on December 23 on a stacked bill, which sees Joshua take on Otto Wallin and Wilder up against ex-WBO champion Joseph Parker.

This has renewed hope among fans of a showdown between them in 2024.

Despite the possibility of there being bad blood between the two, American knockout artist Wilder showed the British star nothing but love and respect at the press conference on Wednesday.

Speaking directly to AJ, the ‘Bronze Bomber’ said: “It’s good to be in the same room with him to see him face-to-face.

“It’s been a long time coming, I wish you nothing but the best bro.

“And hopefully soon we can get it on in the ring to give the people what they want, once and for all.

“But I wish you nothing but the best – even if it doesn’t happen.

“But I believe it’s going to happen, I believe that it will, it’s about that time, but even if it don’t, I wish you nothing but the best, nothing less.”

Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder bump fists and shake hands at the press conference ahead of their fights on Dec 23rd…

[@Queensberry]
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) November 15, 2023

AJ and Wilder will both be in action on the same night later this year

Joshua refused to respond to Wilder’s kind words, though the pair did shake hands and bump fists after ahead of their respective face-offs in a clear sign of respect.

Speaking to DAZN after the press conference, the 2012 Olympic gold medallist confirmed he still remains keen on a future dust-up.

Insisting the duo will trade blows before they hang up their gloves, AJ remarked: “Yeah I do [see us fighting next].

“Good luck to him with what he’s doing on December 23.

“I see us fighting 100 per cent.”