Deontay Wilder ‘ready to sign’ and fight Anthony Joshua in the Lion’s Den

Those hoping to see Anthony Joshua fight Deontay Wilder in the near future have been given a boost.

Joshua beat Joseph Parker in Cardiff over the weekend, adding the WBO title to his IBF and WBA belts. Speaking after his victory, he called out Wilder - making it clear he would be happy to fight the American on UK soil. It's now emerged that Wilder is happy to go ahead with the fight, volunteering to take Joshua on in London this summer. Wilder's promoter, Shelly Finkel, told The Telegraph: “We are really glad that Anthony Joshua said for the first time: ‘I will fight Deontay next...’ and we believe he is a man of his word. Deontay accepts the challenge.” “We want to make it public that Deontay wants the fight, and we are prepared to come over, or meet here and get the deal done. Deontay is ready to sign and come to the UK to fight this summer.” Finkel also added that he will contact Eddie Hearn, Joshua's promoter, in the days ahead to begin discussions. Wilder, the WBC champion, is undefeated in 40 bouts. He is the only man that stands between Joshua unifying the heavyweight division's belts for the first time.