Exclusive: Anthony Joshua sends a chilling message to Deontay Wilder

Anthony Joshua has told Yahoo Sport that he will allow Deontay Wilder to win the pre-fight trash talk ahead of their world heavyweight unification clash – and then knock out his big rival when he gets him in the ring.

Promoter Eddie Hearn has suggested a fight to crown the undisputed king of the heavyweight division could be confirmed imminently, with a clash at a UK stadium this summer being finalised by both camps.

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Now IBF, WBA, IBO and WBO champion Joshua has vowed to knock-out WBC champion Wilder, as he spoke exclusively to Yahoo Sport a Lucozade Sport Fitwater event in London.

“He’ll do a great job of promoting and selling himself and I’ll do a great job of beating him. It’s as simple as that. People talk a good game, but it’s about backing it up in the ring,” declared Joshua.

“People like to trash talk, but I do it in a more fun way unless it gets personal and then I’ll give as good as I get. I like to beat them in the ring. I’ve never heard of a record for winning press conferences or stare downs.”

Joshua went on to tell us that he is also eager to take on former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury once he beats Wilder, as he insists he is looking for a long reign as undisputed heavyweight champion despite a lack of high profile opponents if he gets past Wilder and Fury.

“I’m here for the long run and I’m here for my own reasons and well, my discipline and so on,” he declared. “So long as I keep those elements within my boxing, I’ll always have that passion for it. That cool, calm and collected attitude towards it. No stress with this life.

“I beat Wilder and Tyson Fury, but this is a career. I don’t see Man United playing Arsenal every week. Or Man United playing Man City every week. Sometimes they have to play a lower league club. You have got to fill the gaps.

“From an entertainment perspective, I’ll fight Wilder, Wilder Wilder….Fury, Fury, Fury, but in reality there are challengers coming up. There will be tough times in the ring…setbacks.

“There has not been one heavyweight who has not gone without a loss, apart from Rocky Marciano but that was years ago. This is the long run, I’m here for the enjoyment, I’m here for the ups and downs. In reality, there is a lot I can achieve in the space of the next ten years.”

Anthony Joshua is one of the official ambassadors for Lucozade Sport Fitwater, a new functional water packed full of electrolytes, which is specifically made for sports hydration.