Deontay Wilder wants to fight Anthony Joshua in Africa

Published By: Rashidat Yunus

Deontay Wilder believes a bout with Anthony Joshua is still "the number one fight in the world" as he prepares to make his return to action on Saturday.

Deontay wilder, last fought a year ago and faces Robert Helenius in New York 

The heavyweight's goal is to become world champion again, but Wilder also has big plans for a bout against Britain’s Joshua.

"I would love to do that fight in Africa," said wilder to the bbc sport.

"It's still the number one fight in the world for everyone. Everywhere I go, people always talk about me versus Joshua."

"I think it would be an amazing place to have it, to go back home. I can just see that being an amazing fight, win, lose or draw.

"I think we'll get the respect and love from all the people over there."

Wilder seriously considered retirement after suffering successive stoppage defeats to Tyson Fury, but now says he plans to fight for another three years.

Wilder held the WBC title while Joshua was the WBA (Super), WBO and IBF champion.

Joshua recently failed to reach terms with WBC champion Fury, but Wilder is confident a deal could be struck.

He said: "We're serious and we just need them to be serious as well. We tried to make the fight and it didn't happen. It's a new day and time. All things are possible."

Joshua, the two-time world champion, will also soon be on the comeback trail after suffering successive defeats to unified champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Wilder believes the fights with Usyk, particularly the rematch in August, showed Joshua has a "stamina" problem.I feel like he didn't want to exchange a lot because of that.

"I know if he's able to get everything together, stamina and all that, I think you'll see a different Anthony Joshua."