WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder was impressed with Wladimir Klitschko’s brave losing effort against Anthony Joshua at the weekend, and has offered the Ukrainian legend some advice.
Klitschko was dropped in the fifth, returned the favour in the sixth before eventually being stopped in the 11th of his Wembley Stadium meeting with Joshua.
Wilder was ringside and, while calling out WBA and IBF champion Joshua, sent Klitschko a video of his recent win over Gerald Washington with the caption “Awesome fight @klitschko but this is how you finish a fight.”
Awesome fight @klitschko but this is how you finish a fight…The WILDer Way. #WilderJoshua anyone? @anthonyfjoshuapic.twitter.com/fJkLqm9xvU
— Deontay Wilder (@BronzeBomber) May 3, 2017
Klitschko had Joshua in dire straits in the middle stages of the fight but could not capitalise, and he admitted afterward that he perhaps could have done more.
Wilder stopped Washington inside five rounds in February to make the fifth defence of his title and extend his record to 38-0 (37).
The outpspoken American is one of several tantalising options for Joshua, which also include a rematch with Klitschko.
Wilder is eager to unify and also called out WBO champion Joseph Parker, who fights late subtitue Razvan Cojanu tomorrow night.
Last but not least @joeboxerparker hurry up & knock your sparring partner out Saturday & let’s give the world the other half of the belts… pic.twitter.com/wN3BXpIYIJ
— Deontay Wilder (@BronzeBomber) May 3, 2017
Outside of the other champions, Wilder could potentially fight former cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew, who moved to heavyweight earlier this year and stunned David Haye.
The pair clashed during Joshua-Klitschko fight week but talks for a fight later this year remain open.