‘Let’s do it’ – Wilder calls out Joshua after win

Wilder Challenges Joshua After Split Decision Triumph

Deontay Wilder claimed a split decision victory over Derek Chisora at London’s O2 Arena, sparking a renewed call for a showdown with Anthony Joshua. The American’s win, scored 115–111 and 115–113, with one judge tallying 115–112 for Chisora, marked his 45th career win in 50 fights. Following the bout, Wilder approached Joshua, exchanging a fist bump and declaring, “Let’s do it,” before adding, “He’s scared” as he departed.

Joshua, 36, had been sidelined since a car crash in Nigeria on December 29, which left two friends dead and the boxer with minor injuries. His last fight occurred on December 19, where he defeated Jake Paul in the sixth round, improving his record to 29 wins and four losses. The two-time world heavyweight champion had previously stated his intent to face Tyson Fury, who ended his hiatus in January to challenge Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11.

“He said ‘let’s do it,’ AJ sort of stared at him ice cold, but he would fight him no problem,” shared Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, during a pre-fight interview. Hearn noted that while their focus had been on a Fury matchup, Joshua’s presence at the event opened the door for a potential clash with Wilder.

Later, Wilder addressed the interaction, explaining, “It wasn’t a few words—I dapped it up with him and said: ‘Now let’s get it on.’” He emphasized his readiness to compete against any opponent in the heavyweight division, adding, “You can call me Mr Clean, because I want to clean up the whole division. The division is nothing without Deontay Wilder.”

Wilder’s recent trilogy against Fury had seen a decline in form, with his WBC title lost in 2020 and a third bout resulting in defeat. A Joshua-Wilder matchup was planned for 2024 but was delayed after Wilder’s unexpected loss to Joseph Parker. Meanwhile, Wilder also hinted at a possible hand fracture, though he remained confident in his ability to dominate the division.

News of the fight, along with quotes from Wilder and Joshua, was highlighted in BBC Sport’s coverage, which also included a segment on the Boxing schedule and results for 2026. The article noted Wilder’s claim that he had withheld aggression during the Chisora fight, stating, “I was thinking of Chisora being with his kids.”