World heavyweight unification tie involving Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder likely to take place this year

WORLD Boxing Council (WBC) champion Deontay Wilder has changed his mind about his plans for 2019 saying that he now wants to fight Nigerian-born Anthony Oluwafemi Joshua in a unification bout come may.

After beating New Zealander Joseph Parker in Cardiff in April, Joshua became the holder of the World Boxing Organisation (WBO), World Boxing Association (WBA), International Boxing Federation (IBF) and International Boxing Organisation (IBO) belts. Joshua wants American boxer Wilder to accept a $15m offer to face him to determine who is the undisputed world heavyweight champion in front of a 100,000 crowd at Wembley Stadium.

For nearly a year, the two sides have been unable to reach a deal with Wilder's camp saying they would rather have a match with fellow-American Tyson Fury. After much prevarication, it appears that Fury, is now ready to face Joshua before the Tyson Fury rematch.

Wilder has blasted Fury for opting to take an interim bout rather than immediately settle their score on May 18 and as a result, says he would now prefer to pursue Joshua once again. It is believed that the mega fight could now take place later this year after  his mandatory obligation fight against Dominic Breazeale now likely to take place on May 18.

Wilder said: “I want Joshua, of course. I want to unify the belts."