Joshua vs Takam: Deontay Wilder says he'll fight Dillian Whyte if it leads to Anthony Joshua
Friday 27 October 2017 09:08, UK
WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder says he will be happy to take on Brit Dillian Whyte, as long as he is guaranteed a shot at Anthony Joshua afterwards.
Joshua will defend his IBF and WBA 'Super' crowns against Carlos Takam on Saturday night while Wilder has a defence against Bermane Stiverne on November 4.
A unification fight between Joshua and Wilder could be on the cards in 2018 but Whyte will put himself in line for a shot at Wilder's belt if he can beat Robert Helenius on Saturday's undercard.
Whyte said: "I have chased Wilder, he is a disgrace," but the American says he will happily come to England for the fight, with one proviso.
Asked if he was annoyed by Whyte's remarks, Wilder told Sky Sports News: "Fighters have obligations to fulfil, they have a job to do, and Dillian Whyte is only doing his job.
"He is doing what he is supposed to do and, if he is feeling that way, let's see him.
"Personally, I don't think he feels that way. He knows he can't beat me, [promoter] Eddie Hearn knows he can't beat me.
"If they want to see that fight, I have no problems fighting that fight, as long as that contract says I have Anthony Joshua next.
"I will go anywhere in the world to show Dillian Whyte who is the best in the world.
"Put Anthony Joshua on that contract and I will come to England. Dillian Whyte is an easy fight, I can fight that fight in my sleep, one hand behind my back.
"I am the heavyweight champion of the world, I want to unify the heavyweight division and I won't stop until I do that."
Wilder says a 2018 showdown with Joshua will be firmly on the agenda if he has his way.
"That is going to be up to them," he said. Once I finish my mandatory on November 4, Joshua finishes Takam, we are both free agents. I don't see why that fight could not happen. He does not have anybody else in the division to fight that would be [considered] a great [fighter].
"Right now, everybody wants to see who is the best in the heavyweight division.
"I am really the only one saying I am the best. I want to be shut up, I want my mouth to be closed!
"If Eddie Hearn wants me to fight Dillian Whyte, I have no problem smashing Dillian Whyte but make sure, when you have that contract, you add Anthony Joshua, because I am going to come and knock down that kingdom that I helped build up."
