Home Columns Tony Bellew: Deontay Wilder-Anthony Joshua a fight for the ages

Tony Bellew: Deontay Wilder-Anthony Joshua a fight for the ages

Bellew calls for Wilder vs Joshua in 2023

Tony Bellew is keen to see Deontay Wilder take on Anthony Joshua in 2023 Photo Credit: Stephanie Trapp/TGB Promotions/Mark Robinson/Eddie Keogh/Matchroom Boxing
Tony Bellew is keen to see Deontay Wilder take on Anthony Joshua in 2023 Photo Credit: Stephanie Trapp/TGB Promotions/Mark Robinson/Eddie Keogh/Matchroom Boxing

Tony Bellew has called on Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua to finally meet in 2023.

Wilder and Joshua have long been on a collision course dating back to 2018 when talks broke down for a mega, undisputed heavyweight title fight when the pair were both world champions.

Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn recently revealed that he held conversations with Wilder’s manager, Shelly Finkel and former cruiserweight world champion, Bellew believes the fight should happen next year and expects it to be an epic.

“This has been on my list for the last few years now,” the 40-year-old told DAZN.

“But I just don’t see how Anthony Joshua against Deontay Wilder is anything but a heavyweight classic.

Joshua was in Derrick James' gym last week Photo Credit: @derrickdjames1 Instagram
Joshua was in Derrick James’ gym last week Photo Credit: @derrickdjames1 Instagram

“Both can punch, both have weaknesses, and both are desperate to prove a point and get back on top. 

“Trust me, this will be a fight for the ages, and I’d love to see it finally get over the line.”

Joshua has not fought since losing to unified WBA ‘super’, IBF and WBO titlist, Oleksandr Usyk for a second time in Saudi Arabia in August and is currently in the USA finalising his training team ahead of his return in the new year, with a rematch with Dillian Whyte mooted.

Wilder knocked out Helenius in the opening round Photo Credit: Stephanie Trapp/TGB Promotions
Wilder knocked out Helenius in the opening round Photo Credit: Stephanie Trapp/TGB Promotions

Wilder, who bounced back from successive defeats to WBC heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury by knocking out Robert Helenius in the first round in Brooklyn in October, has been ordered to face compatriot Andy Ruiz Jr in a final eliminator for his former title.

However, Finkel insists that ‘The Bronze Bomber’ would be willing to finally lock horns with ‘AJ’ next.

“Deontay is willing to fight Anthony Joshua next,” Finkel told World Boxing News.

Wilder has been ordered to face Andy Ruiz Jr Photo Credit: Ryan Hafey / Premier Boxing Champions
Wilder has been ordered to face Andy Ruiz Jr Photo Credit: Ryan Hafey / Premier Boxing Champions

“We would take that fight in the UK or the Middle East, and we will do it next.

“We have the WBC eliminator with Ruiz, and we will do that, but we want the Joshua fight.”