Anthony Joshua eyes America but cools talk of Deontay Wilder clash
Sunday 26 June 2016 21:37, UK
Anthony Joshua says he will soon fight in the US but has told Deontay Wilder to focus on his own upcoming bout with Chris Arreola.
Wilder, who defends his WBC heavyweight title against Chris Arreola in Birmingham, Alabama on July 16, took to Twitter following Joshua's seventh-round stoppage of Dominic Breazeale on Saturday, urging the Briton to break his American duck and fight him.
Wilder wrote: "Since the winter time you planned on @Tyson_Fury. Hey it's time to make your American debut @anthonyfjoshua. Eddie Hearn said sooner than later so let's make sooner "NOW"!!!!!"
But Joshua, whose next mandatory challenger for his IBF belt is Joseph Parker, told Sky Sports News HQ: "Let him focus on his fight with Chris Arreola, that's important to him.
"I will definitely be out there making my US debut soon, whether it's against Wilder or not, I just want to get out there, make my name known because it's a golden time for boxing again. Let's start building, hit the big stage."
Saturday's victory was Joshua's 17th straight knockout since turning professional and he admits he is feeling the pressure to break the American market.
He added: "Everyone is asking me when I'm going to America, I'm not too sure they'd be thrilled if I told them we were going to Alabama, not that there's anything wrong with Alabama!
"But it's not Las Vegas and if we can get something like that, then I would jump at the option.
"But I realised during the Breazeale fight that everyone's opinions are irrelevant, telling me who to fight.
"As the fight went on, I realised I could go out there and try and knock out Breazeale, but I've got to do what's right by me. When I take that out of the fight and into my career path, I want to do it by my own accord, and no one else's influence.
"There are so many wolves in the pack right now who want to come for what we've built, but no problem. I've got a good team. We will sit down and discuss our options for the short term - hopefully fight in November or even sooner so we can fit in another two fights - and then a longer-term strategy."
Repeats of Anthony Joshua vs Dominic Breazeale are on at 10am, 2pm and 8pm on Sunday, so book via your Sky remote or online here.
