Anthony Joshua has said he doesn’t want to fight Deontay Wilder until at least 2019 or 2020. His promoter is putting up ridiculous roadblocks saying Wilder has to fight Dillian Whyte, who’s biggest win is a split over journeyman Dereck Chisora, before unification. So why is AJ really scared?
He’s got a decent enough following with supporters and detractors waiting to see him fail. I think DW needs a signature win to help promote the clash first.
The roadblock is indeed ridiculous, and I don't get people trying to defend that. I would somewhat understand if they said he had to beat a Ring top 10 fighter first, but pushing Whyte and bossing the WBC beltholder around, is nothing more as either making sure it doesn't happen or stalling. Pretty sure Joshi won't be scared, but he knows there's a risk involved. And a 50/50 split like Wilder wants is ridiculous as well. 60/40 Joshi at worst, but rather 70/30.
I don't think Joshua is afraid of Wilder's greater pro experience. Wilder might have more FIGHTS, but Joshua has fought better opposition. Even an old Wlad is MILES ahead of anyone Wilder has fought. Because Joshua has fought better opponents, he's improved as a fighter, while Wilder has stayed the same fighter.
Next year the WBSS is looking to do a heavyweight version of the tournament. Wilder and AJ will be in this and if all goes to plan they will meet in the final which will sometime in 2019.
Whyte is not needed to make this fight, Wilder just has to accept all the terms and it's a done deal. But Wilder wants a PAYDAY for nothing, he wants a handout so Hearn is telling him you gotta earn it. If Wilder had fought Ortiz/Parker/Povetkin by now this Whyte nonsense would not even be needed.