It seems Anthony Joshua is going all out in 2020 and eyeing the biggest names and fights.
After avenging his shock June defeat by Andy Ruiz Jr last month to regain his WBA, IBF and WBO belts, Joshua has revealed meetings have taken place about setting up a dream match-up with Deontay Wilder.
The American WBC champion will take on Tyson Fury in Las Vegas on February 22 and Joshua is already eyeing him up.
AJ has already been ordered to face Kubrat Pulev and Oleksandr Usyk as mandatories, and the Watford-fighter met with the latter's representatives last week.
However, Wilder is the bout he and the fans want and he’s prepared to throw in a "curveball" to make it happen.
"We've had meetings. That same meeting with Usyk's manager, afterwards we had another meeting to potentially put an offer in to solidify [a fight with Wilder] before they have even had their fight, and before I have my next fight,” he told Sky Sports.
"Everyone wants Wilder to win because [a fight with me] is what everyone wants to see. Wilder has a great right hand, I have a great left hand. It is a great boxing match.
"We had a meeting about that. It has great potential. I heard [Wilder and Fury] have a third fight lined up towards the end of the year but we have to throw a curveball in there.
"Something that gets Wilder's attention providing he wins so that he thinks to himself: 'Even though I have a rematch clause, I'll see how I can manipulate my contract, get out of it, and fight for the undisputed championship'".
Anthony Joshua insists he could tempt Deontay Wilder into a dream undisputed heavyweight championship fight and has revealed he has held meetings to discuss how to set it up. 👀
AJ has faced some criticism in recent times, having not always been seen to take on the best fights.
However, he’s raring to go this year and big talks have already taken place and he’s ready to fight Ukrainian Usyk, considered by many as one of the finest pound-for-pound fighters on the planet.
Speaking to Sky Sports he added: "We mean business. We want to fight the best. I go to those meetings. I let people know that I'm about that life.
"He's the best cruiserweight that we've ever seen and I want to compete with him [as he] comes up to heavyweight. People say 'he's a cruiserweight' but look at what Evander Holyfield did - phenomenal fighter.
"Who's to say that Usyk can't go on to do great things. But before we see that potential he has to come through the big boys of the division. I'll be the first to challenge him."
While Wilder and Usyk will be massive fights, Joshua is backing fellow Brit Fury to do the business next month.
"He bet on Charles Martin to beat me, he bet on Joseph Parker to beat me! He's a bit of a waffler. Fury does what Fury does,” said Joshua.
“He said that he spoke to Conor McGregor on the phone? That was a lie as well!
"I'm supporting Fury because imagine the local kids being able to watch the undisputed championship fight on their doorstep. I'd love it to be here in the UK."
It’s set to be a massive twelve months for British boxing fans.
