Joshua on Wilder: "It's Frustrating"

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (27-3, 24 KOs) disclosed that the organization of his bout against Deontay Wilder (43-3-1, 42 KOs) was in its final stages, with both fighters having signed the contracts.

"It's definitely frustrating because we met during fight week, talked with the lawyers, signed the contracts, and everything was good. This is the fight that the fans want to see. I'm not saying it's completely off the table. This is a fight where all the paperwork was signed and sealed. It just needed us both to do our part. And he didn't fulfill his part of the deal. Now you know. I signed a contract to fight Fury, I signed a contract to fight Wilder, I've signed contracts to fight many people. I'm just doing good business. I'm a good fighter, I don't shy away from challenges," Joshua said.

The anticipated clash between Wilder and Joshua fell through following Wilder's defeat. On December 23, in a single evening of boxing, Anthony secured an early victory over Otto Wallin, while Deontay lost by decision to former world champion Joseph Parker.