Deontay Wilder has vowed to knockout Anthony Joshua in a proposed heavyweight bout against the British-Nigerian in Saudi Arabia.
The two former heavyweight champions are widely reported to be in discussions for what would be one of the most fiercely anticipated fights in recent years.
Joshua is on the lookout for a new opponent after recovering from back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk with victory over Jermaine Franklin earlier this month, while Wilder beat Robert Helenius in October after consecutive losses to Tyson Fury.
Both fighters are keen to work their way up the rankings to earn another shot at the titles and, with the pair having history with Fury and Usyk, a meeting in the ring is a favoured option for many fans.
Should a blockbuster clash in Saudi Arabia occur, Wilder is confident he would see off Joshua with a knockout.
“What we expecting? I’m gonna just put it like this, I’ll just keep it sweet, I’m gonna give Saudi their first knockout victim,” he told ES News.
‘Joshua can become world champion again’
Earlier this week, Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn revealed he was travelling to the Far East to discuss the potential fight.
Remarkably, the proposals are to have Wilder and Joshua face off on the same card as a unification bout between Fury and Usyk.
“There have definitely been conversations that have taken place, just of plans, where people would like to host Fury against Usyk and AJ against Wilder on the same night.
“It will cost a lot of money, but it would be epic, and we will have those conversations,” Hearn told iFL TV.
Last week, Fury dismissed those rumours on social media but, in his latest update, promised fans of a “monstrous” fight in his return to the ring.
“I’ve got some massive, massive news coming. An imminent fight date, an absolutely monstrous fight. Keep tuned because the WBC heavyweight king is back in action, coming very, very soon,” the ‘Gypsy King’ said.
