Deontay

Deontay Wilder has raised the possibility of a fight with Anthony Joshua, telling the Briton “let’s do it” following the American’s points victory over Derek Chisora.

Two-time world heavyweight champion Joshua was ringside at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday to support his friend Chisora for what is expected to have been the beaten fighter’s final professional bout.

Joshua has largely remained out of the spotlight since he was a passenger in a car crash that killed two of his friends in Nigeria on 29 December.

The 36-year-old sustained minor injuries in the crash that killed Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele.

He last fought on 19 December, when he stopped YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in the sixth round.

After that victory, which improved his record to 29 wins and four defeats, Joshua said he was ready to face long-term rival Tyson Fury next.

Fury ended his latest spell of retirement in January when he announced he would be returning to fight Arslanbek Makhmudov in the UK on 11 April.

On Saturday, Wilder, 40, walked past Joshua, fist-bumped him and said “let’s do it”, before he could be heard saying “He’s scared” as he walked away.

Later, former world champion Wilder addressed the exchange, saying: “It wasn’t a few words, I dapped it up with him and I said: ‘Now let’s get it on.’

“I’m ready for whoever, long as these guys are in the heavyweight division, I am here.

“You can call me Mr Clean, because I want to clean up the whole division. The division is nothing without Deontay Wilder.”

Deontay Wilder beats Derek Chisora with a split decision win after a dramatic heavyweight contest in what is expected to be Chisora’s final professional bout.

Pictures courtesy of DAZN PPV

READ MORE: Chisora beaten by Wilder in captivating bout

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Derek Chisora suffered a points defeat by Deontay Wilder in a wild heavyweight contest at London’s O2 Arena in what is expected to be his final professional bout.

Chisora, 42, was dropped in the eighth round and sent through the ropes. The Briton looked close to being stopped several times as Wilder pushed for the finish, but the veteran somehow fought his way back.

American Wilder was awarded a split decision with scores of 115–111 and 115–113, while one judge scored it 115–112 to Chisora.

Post-fight, Wilder said: “I had an adorable opponent. I knew Derek was going to bring everything he had.

“In the ring I saw his temple start to swell, I said ‘you’ve got to live for your kids’. Too many lives have been lost in this ring, nobody gives a damn about us. Us fighters have to look out for each other.

“Tonight, I looked out for him, I want him to live for his kids. It’s time for us to take care of each other. I have seven of my own, those are my best friends. Kids, I’m coming home.”

Both men absorbed heavy punishment as the contest, almost inexplicably, went the distance.

Chisora had his moments, notably stunning Wilder, 40, in the fifth round, but the former world champion ultimately deserved the decision.

Remarkably, it was the 50th bout of both men’s careers. Londoner Chisora – now with 14 defeats – had said beforehand it would be his last fight, but he hesitated to confirm his retirement when joined in the ring by his family.

It was not pretty, nor particularly elite, but it was undeniably entertaining. For Wilder, this represents his best win in recent years and extends a career that may also be nearing its end.

American heavyweight Deontay Wilder says his fight against Briton Derek Chisora will be “one of the best in history” – with both men gearing up for their 50th professional bout.

READ MORE: Win or lose, I’d like Chisora to retire – Wardley

Follow live text commentary of Chisora v Wilder from 20:00 BST on Saturday, with BBC Radio 5 Live coverage from 22:00.