Anthony Joshua looking to face WBC rival Wilder next as Dillian Whyte ‘had his chance to fight me on April 13’
Unbeaten heavyweights have not been able to set up a collision but AJ is pressing hard to get the American into talks
ANTHONY JOSHUA insists Deontay Wilder is the only man he wants to fight.
The unbeaten heavyweight champs have so far failed to agree terms on a unification bout.
And WBA, IBF and WBO champ Joshua has told Dillian Whyte he missed his shot as he targets the WBC- strap.
AJ, 29, told Sky Sports: “I’m not looking at Dillian anymore, I’m looking at Wilder, because he’s got the belt.
“Ruiz Jr? Provided I get past him, Wilder, that’s my main objective. Simple as that.
“Dillian Whyte had his opportunity to fight me April 13. Dillian had a chance to fight for the titles, he felt it was a low-ball offer, he wants to build his value and compete against Rivas.
“It’s a tough fight, it’s a very tough fight, but providing Dillian comes through, it [accelerates] him onto the next stage of where he’s trying to get to and that’s becoming heavyweight champion of the world.”
Wilder has also indicated the long-awaited Joshua showdown may be edging closer after demolishing Dominic Breazeale in the first round.
He said: “It’s going to happen, it will happen. I believe in all my heart it will happen.
“I don’t want this to be a Lennox [Lewis] and [Riddick] Bowe situation, I definitely don’t.
“The heavyweight division is so lit right now, it’s on fire right now. I think it is our obligation, our duty to give the fans what they want.”
And AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn added: “The fight with AJ and Wilder is the biggest fight in the sport and all being well [with Joshua vs Ruiz Jr] it must happen next – no excuses, this is the fight that will change the sport globally.
“It’s a legacy fight and AJ wants it so bad. Two big, fast, dangerous and fearless world heavyweight world champions that can turn the lights out with a blink of the eye – it’s a must.”
