ANTHONY JOSHUA is one step closer to a blockbuster fight against Deontay Wilder – but he isn’t let the speculation get to him.
The IBF, WBA and IBO world heavyweight champ was in a relaxed mood at the weekend as he visited London restaurant Sexy Fish with pals.
AJ was happy to pose for photos outside the Mayfair Asian restaurant, showing off that million-dollar smile.
Despite only fighting just over a week ago in a bruising clash against Carlos Takam, there were no war wounds visible.
The Watford man won that fight with an eighth round stoppage, but the performance drew criticism in some quarters.
Yet after Wilder secured a stunning first round knockout victory in New York on Saturday against Stiverne, the two are closer than ever to a multi-title clash.
SunSport reported how Joshua said he would “eat” Wilder if the two giants clash in the squared circle.
Ruthless Wilder knocked down Stiverne three times in the opening round before the referee jumped in to stop the scrap.
He then told fight fans Joshua is his next target after saying: “I’ve been waiting on that fight for a long time now.
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“I declare war upon you (Anthony Joshua). Do you accept my challenge? I know I’m the champion, I know I’m the best. Are you up for the test?
“A king doesn’t chase the peasants. A king takes kings. I want Joshua. If he doesn’t give me the fight we have other plans. The world wants Joshua, the world wants Wilder, I want Joshua.
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“Joshua come and see me baby. No more dodging, no more excuses. Make the date, don’t wait.”
But it appears undefeated Joshua is undettered by his threats after he was left shocked by Wilder’s weight against Stiverne.
Joshua was two-and-a-half stone heavier when he fought Carlos Takam last weekend with Wilder coming in at 220 pounds.
But it was Eddie Hearn who broke the news to Joshua over Wilder’s weight before revealing the champ’s reply.
He told Sky Sports: “I was really interested to see the weight of Deontay Wilder on the scales [220 pounds] .I texted that to Anthony today.
“I shouldn’t really tell you the reply, but it was ‘I’ll eat him,’ and the size difference is huge. It’s two-and-a-half stone now between those two.”
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