Anthony Joshua keen to face Wilder in 2023

Former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is optimistic of a sensational bout against American Deontay Wilder in 2023.

“Yeah, it will happen now, he’s more than ready now. Why not?” Joshua said.

He has failed to secure an undisputed title chance with Wilder in past fights, while both were undefeated champions.

Joshua’s knockout-to-win percentage stands at 91.67%, with an overall knockout percentage of 63.64% in world heavyweight title fights, whereas Wilder’s knockout-to-win percentage stands at 97.67%, with 20 knockouts in the first round.

After talks broke down over a title fight with Tyson Fury in September, Joshua is eagerly looking for a new opponent.

Wilder, meanwhile, made an emphatic return to the ring in October as he knocked out Robert Helenius in the first round.

When asked about Wilder’s performance, Joshua told a media outlet, “Good, he knocked him out, he’s back. It’s good, he did well, he did what he’s supposed to do.”

Joshua was asked if there’s a possibility of a fight with Wilder next year, the British-Nigerian told the news platform, “Now, he’s on a resurgence, I think he’s realising, he’s said he’s got three years left so he wants to tick off his hitlist.”

However, Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, thinks the 33-year-old’s next opponent will be the winner of Dillian Whyte vs Jermaine Franklin fight, which takes place on November 26.