Deontay Wilder says he ‘cannot wait’ to fight Anthony Joshua in heavyweight unification showdown

Wilder holds the one remaining heavyweight title and said on Tuesday night that he is eager to fight Joshua in a lucrative unification bout

Deontay Wilder says he is ready to fight Anthony Joshua (Getty)

Deontay Wilder has said that he “cannot wait” to take on Anthony Joshua in a heavyweight title unification showdown.

Joshua immediately called out Wilder after his unanimous points victory over Joseph Parker on Saturday night, as he added the WBO titles to his own WBA, IBF and IBO belts.

Wilder, the WBC champion since January 2015, holds the one remaining heavyweight title and said on Tuesday night that he is eager to fight Joshua in a lucrative unification bout.

His manager, Shelly Finkel, has already said that he will contact Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn this week, with the American poised to accept a 40/60 purse split.

Wilder said: “First of all, I want to congratulate Anthony Joshua on his win last Saturday night. Anthony, I am so glad we finally heard from you on Saturday and that you want to fight me as your next opponent and you want the fight to happen in the UK.

“I accept that challenge and I am ready to come to the UK for my next fight.”

Wilder made his comments on Tuesday night in a short statement, released after a media conference call with the US fighter was postponed.

Anthony Joshua is missing just one heavyweight world title... (Getty)

“There is nothing on Team Wilder's side to prevent me from fighting you next,” he added.

“You also said on Saturday that your team is ready to meet with Shelly Finkel and Al Haymon from my side to get this deal done. They are also ready to meet with your team immediately. Let us know when - the sooner the better.

“Thanks Anthony, I cannot wait to meet you in the ring.”