Joshua Vows Wilder Won’t Last Seven Rounds Against Him

Anthony Joshua has predicted that Deontay Wilder would not last seven rounds if the two heavyweight champions eventually meet in the ring.

The Nigerian-born British boxer regained his IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight titles after defeating Andy Ruiz Jr in their rematch in Saudi Arabia in December.

Joshua, who holds a professional record of 23 wins from 24 fights, including 22 knockouts, said he would adopt a much more aggressive approach against Wilder than he used in the second Ruiz fight.

Speaking to Sky Sports Boxing, Joshua insisted he would look for an early knockout rather than attempt to outbox the American over 12 rounds.

“He wouldn’t be there in the seventh round. I would go in to knock him out,” Joshua said. “This is a serious fight. I ain’t going to go in there to try and outbox him for 12 rounds.”

Wilder, the WBC heavyweight champion, remained unbeaten with a record of 42 wins and one draw, with 41 victories coming by knockout.

Joshua’s immediate attention, however, was expected to turn to one of his mandatory challengers.

Kubrat Pulev and Oleksandr Usyk were both being considered as possible opponents, with promoter Eddie Hearn suggesting that Pulev was the more likely choice for Joshua’s next title defence.

Pulev was the mandatory challenger for Joshua’s IBF belt, and the British heavyweight had made it clear that retaining his world titles remained an important priority.