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Deontay Wilder has backed Anthony Joshua to beat Tyson Fury if the two British heavyweights ever meet in the ring.
A fight between Joshua and Fury was being eyed for December, but now looks to be off the table after both camps revealed that talks for the domestic showdown have broken down.
Joshua has lost his last two bouts against Oleksandr Usyk, while Fury remains unbeaten and stopped Wilder in the second and third fights of their trilogy. However, when asked how a potential matchup between Joshua and Fury would pan out, the American has claimed Joshua has the tools to beat the Gypsy King.
“I can see Anthony Joshua beating Tyson Fury,’ Wilder told boxing reporter Dan Rafael.
“I know that’s crazy – some people would think so. But I could really see Joshua winning that fight… I think if he changes certain things mentally, he could come back and redeem himself more than ever.”
Standing at 6 ft 6in, Joshua has established himself as one of the most imposing figures in boxing’s blue-riband division in recent years.
Wilder feels Joshua’s mentality has let him down at times, though, stating the 2012 Olympic gold medallist is not a ‘warrior’.
“I think he doubts himself a lot. I know what it takes to be a warrior, a killer. The energy, the feel. I don’t sense that from him,” Wilder explained.
“Physically he can get everything done, but sometimes it’s just that mental part.”
Wilder is set to return to the ring for the first time in a year when he faces Robert Helenius later this month.
The 36-year-old is looking to follow in Joshua’s footsteps by becoming a two-time heavyweight champion, and he could get a shot at glory if he gets past Helenius, as Usyk claimed last month that he wants to fight Wilder in early 2023 if he makes a successful return from his lengthy lay-off.
