Joshua wants Wilder fight – trainer

Anthony Joshua's trainer insists the British heavyweight is eager to face "phenomenal puncher" Deontay Wilder and is certain the long-awaited fight will go ahead.

Joshua makes his seventh world title defence and United States debut when he takes on Andy Ruiz Jr at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday.

And coach Rob McCracken wants the IBF, WBA and WBO champion to make a blockbuster showdown with Wilder his next priority amid calls from promoter Eddie Hearn for "excuses" to be set aside.

The American gave a stunning exhibition of his power earlier this month, taking just 137 seconds to knock out Dominic Breazeale and defend his WBC heavyweight title.

"It will happen," McCracken told Sky Sports.

"I don't think Wilder is worried about fighting Josh and I know Josh isn't worried about fighting Wilder.

"I think it's a fight that must happen and I think that the people that look after them promotionally are keen for that to happen with the broadcasters. Me and AJ are keen for that to happen."

Artful bruiser pic.twitter.com/o2bNDclEiQ

— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyfjoshua) May 24, 2019

Asked about his preference for Joshua's next opponent, McCracken responded: "I would like to see him fight Wilder because he's got the WBC belt.

"It would be for the undisputed heavyweight title and anybody would want to fight for that, and Josh would love to fight for that.

"It would be a brilliant achievement to become undisputed champion. Wilder is a phenomenal puncher and the talk is that Wilder would certainly look forward to fighting Josh as well, so I think the both of them would fight each other.

"It's just a matter of time and I think that's the best fight out there at the moment, because Josh could become undisputed champion by beating Wilder.

"Obviously he's got to beat Andy Ruiz first who is a good fighter."

 

Photo Getty Images. Caption: Anthony Joshua