Previous predictions by promoter Eddie Hearn have placed Joshua in a world title fight by the end of 2016 or beginning of 2017, which puts the Olympic champion firmly in the frame to oppose Wilder within eighteen months.
American Wilder, 30, currently holds a vice-like grip on the coveted WBC title, with Joshua at number two in the championship rankings for the green belt having racked up 14 wins all inside three rounds since turning pro in 2013.
The two sharing the ring together is only whispered quietly by Hearn at this point as Joshua attempts to clean up domestically against Dillian Whyte, before eventually targeting the European title in the first half of next year. Having said that, at some point over the next twelve months Joshua will be made mandatory for Wilder’s belt should he keep progressing the way he has done so far and that would leave Hearn with a big decision to make.
In a recent interview with WBN, Wilder was asked his opinion on 26 year-old Joshua’s outstanding progress in the paid ranks and gave his own thoughts on a huge undefeated encounter, which he firmly believes is in the boxing public’s interest.
“I think Joshua has been doing a good job winning his fights and beating the guys in front of him. You got to congratulate him for his success,” Wilder exclusively told World Boxing News.
“His goal is to become the heavyweight champion of the world and I’m always looking forward to a new challenge to keep the division alive and give the people the fights they want to see. We are always looking for the up and coming guys and he’s one of those guys.
“Once he is ready to fight for the title I’m going to be around. I’m not going nowhere, no matter who I fight. I think if we fought it would be an exciting fight,” ‘The Bronze Bomber’ added before giving a final shout-out to the British fans.
“I like the UK fans as they stick behind their fighters and build them up whether they are 10-0 or 0-10. I think the UK has some of the best fans around,” stated Wilder.
