Anthony Joshua came out swinging this week after being labeled ‘the forgotten man’ of the heavyweight division by Deontay Wilder.
On the back of Wilder enhancing his worldwide reputation in a superb clash with Tyson Fury, the American laid into Joshua for not accepting a fight over the summer.
Joshua was offered a whopping $50 million deal to fight on Showtime PPV. But opted instead to sign with DAZN after extending his deal with Eddie Hearn.
Speaking during an exchange on his 51st Podcast Experience, host Joe Rogan questioned Wilder about Joshua’s recent title defenses.
Wilder struggled to recall how many Joshua had made in the last two years, as part of the following conversation.
“People are not paying attention to Anthony Joshua right now. It’s like he’s been forgotten,” said Rogan.
“Most definitely, and that’s a great way to put it,” replied Wilder.
“He’s really been forgotten.”
Rogan: “How many times has he defended his title. Since the Klitschko fight – twice?”
Wilder: “Maybe three? I’m not sure. I remember Parker. Was he after? Yeah, he was after. Was Takam before that? I don’t remember.”
OFFENSIVE
Within days, Joshua was booked to appear on ESPN to plead his case for wanting the Wilder fight.
“He’s saying I won’t fight him. But, as I’ve said, I’m willing to fight Deontay Wilder on April 13 in London. So I don’t know what more I have to do to get that message across,” Joshua told Max Kellerman on First Take
“I can’t control what Deontay Wilder does. I can’t control what Tyson Fury does or even as far as what they say. What I can do is control what I say and what I’m doing.
“I made sure with the negotiations, I booked the date in advance, set the venue in advance, and I’m making my point clear in front of everyone watching.
“I’m willing to fight any one of these guys, especially the champion Deontay Wilder. On April 13 at Wembley. What more can I say?”
Wilder is due to rematch Fury in the coming months, whilst Joshua is linked to a sensational rematch with Wladimir Klitschko.
The winner of Dillian Whyte v Dereck Chisora is currently the back-up option if AJ fails to land Wilder or Klitschko.
