Deontay Wilder called out Anthony Joshua moments after defeating Derek Chisora by split decision at the O2 Arena in London. The former WBC heavyweight champion returned to the win column in a gruelling 12-round contest, surviving late pressure to edge Chisora on two of the three judges' scorecards. Immediately after the final bell, Wilder approached Joshua, who was seated ringside supporting Chisora, fist-bumped him and declared, "Let's do it," adding, "He's scared," as he walked away. In his post-fight interview, Wilder reinforced his challenge, stating, "It wasn't just words. I told him, 'Now let's get it on.' I'm ready for whoever," and dubbed himself "Mr Clean" for wanting to "clean up the whole division."
Joshua has not fought since December, when he stopped Jake Paul in the sixth round, and has maintained a low public profile following a car accident in Nigeria that took the lives of two friends. Promoter Eddie Hearn suggested a strong performance from Wilder could revive talks of a Joshua fight, though negotiations have largely focused on a rematch with Tyson Fury. Fury is now scheduled to face Arslanbek Makhmudov, leaving Joshua's next opponent unclear. Wilder's direct challenge has reignited interest in a bout long speculated but never realised.
Deontay Wilder's post-fight call-out of Anthony Joshua wasn't just showmanship—it was a strategic push to force a fight that has evaded both men for years. With Fury's next bout confirmed, Wilder now holds leverage as the most credible active threat to Joshua's comeback narrative. For Nigerian fans still mourning the loss linked to Joshua's recent tragedy, the prospect of a high-stakes global fight offers a complex mix of pride and unease. This moment doesn't guarantee a bout, but it does shift the pressure squarely onto Joshua's camp to respond.
