Wilder calls out Joshua to showdown, beats Chisora into retirement

Deontay Wilder revealed he told Anthony Joshua he is ready to set up a blockbuster heavyweight bout after his victory over Derek Chisora at the O2 Arena, London,last Saturday night.

Wilder briefly spoke to Joshua post-fight before being heard saying “he’s scared” after beating Chisora on points in the 50th outing of both fighters’ careers, and he is already targeting Joshua for number 51.

Wilder and Joshua came together more than once and the American also walked past the Brit in the bowels of The O2 arena prior to the fight.

“I’m ready for whoever. As long as these guys [are] in the heavyweight division, I’m here. You can call me ‘Mr Clean’, because I want to clean up the whole division.

American Wilder spoiled Chisora’s potential farewell party as he edged a thrilling split decision victory to send the Londoner into retirement. 

‘The Bronze Bomber’ claimed it 115-111, 112-115, 115-113 on the scorecards as the pair marked the 50th outing of their decorated careers.

It was a bout that defined last-chance saloon in more ways than one, war-horse Chisora insistent throughout the build-up that he would be hanging up his gloves after the fight and Wilder banking on one final opportunity to summon the generational power that has faded since his gruelling trilogy with Tyson Fury.

After a draw in the first bout in 2018, Wilder lost his WBC heavyweight title in the rematch in 2020 and then also lost the third fight.

A Joshua-Wilder bout had been scheduled for 2024 but the plans were scuppered when the American suffered a shock loss to Joseph Parker.