DEONTAY WILDER cancelled his plans to square up to Anthony Joshua after being told he would not be allowed in the ring with him.
Wilder, 32, was due to work for Sky Sports tomorrow night during the heavyweight showdown at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.
The Bronze Bomber was branded a “joke” by Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn for dodging the fight.
But now Wilder has explained why will not make the trip, suggesting AJ’s actions forced him into the move.
Wilder said: “I’m not making the trip now. I was looking forward to it.
“Sky Sports hired me to come over and I said I’d come on one condition: If AJ wins then I would get in front of the ring, size him up and tell him I wanted to knock him out.
Joshua vs Parker: Tips and odds ahead of unification bout
ANTHONY JOSHUA has vowed to take his time and pick his shots, while Joseph Parker will be relying to land a big hit, writes Wally Downes Jr.
If AJ adopts his calculated approach, Parker will be on the back foot – but regardless of his tactics we back Joshua to win by stoppage.
And he could select his shots and KO the Kiwi in the later rounds.
But if Parker turns this bout into a scrap, which he needs to do, AJ could land his heavy right hand earlier on.
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Latest Joshua vs Parker news
“Sky Sports told me they could make it happen. They said it wouldn’t be problem then a couple of days later I get a phone call from my manager saying it’s not going to be possible.
“And I said I couldn’t come if it wasn’t possible.
“They said AJ didn’t want it to happen and had hired extra security. I even heard something about a restraining order.
“Joshua didn’t want to hype the fight. But this is one of the biggest heavyweight title fights in history.”
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Hearn said Joshua would have no problem inviting Wilder into the ring – so long as he beats Joseph Parker.
Hearn said: “He [Wilder] said ‘I must be in the ring after’ and we said ‘yeah, you’ll probably be invited,’ but it’s not a script.
“You don’t get in the ring at this time.
“Anthony will probably call you into the ring, but it’s not like we’re announcing a fight.”
talkSPORT is the only place you can listen to radio commentary of the huge heavyweight showdown between Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker.
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