Deontay Wilder criticises Anthony Joshua for ‘dancing’ to victory over Andy Ruiz

Joshua recaptured the world heavyweight titles with a wide points decision over the Mexican

Deontay Wilder has dismissed Anthony Joshua’s performance to beat Andy Ruiz and recapture the world heavyweight titles.

The Briton boxed his way to a unanimous points decision to become a two-time world champion, opting against trading with the Mexican second time around to swerve danger.

But Wilder, the WBC champion, believes Joshua failed to capitalise on his opportunity to convince the world that he is the very best.

“Joshua did what he had to do to get the win. He ran around the ring and was on his bike all day,” Wilder told The Athletic. “Basically, he had Klitschko in the camp and he was a lot like Klitschko: that jab-grab-hold method. That’s all he did tonight.

“When I think of myself as a champion... You want to come out there and whoop his ass. I’m not coming in, after losing to this guy, to just dance and grab and jab and hold.

“I’m going to show the world and convince them I am the very best and no one is close to me, especially with what’s going on in the division right now. It’s a time of proving who is the best.

“Joshua had many times he could’ve gone for the finish after he landed the right hand. The difference is my mentality is that of a beast, a warrior, a king, an emperor – all those things. If he calls himself a king, he’s just on the nicer side of it. This is a brutal sport and that’s how I treat it. I ain’t showing no love for anybody in that ring.”

Wilder will now face Tyson Fury next in a rematch after their draw last year, with the fight scheduled for February next year.