Deontay Wilder makes fight plea to Anthony Joshua in awkward confrontation after Derek Chisora win

Deontay Wilder came face-to-face with Anthony Joshua and made his move to try and secure a fight.

Joshua was ringside and watched on as Wilder defeated veteran Derek Chisora in a back-and-forth slugfest at London’s O2 arena.

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It was a much needed return to the winning column for the ‘Bronze Bomber’ who has shut down retirement talks and is hoping to get the big fights again.

A showdown that has come so close to fruition on many occasions is one with his long-term rival Joshua.

As the American left the ring and went back to his changing rooms, he spotted the British heavyweight in waiting.

The pair first bumped in a sign of respect before Wilder made his call.

He said: “Let’s do it.”

Joshua simply held gaze with his potential opponent and didn’t offer any response in a tense moment.

Wilder simply continued his march past with Joshua continuing to watch his rival leave the arena.

In a separate encounter the pair simply ignored each other’s presence in another awkward corridor encounter.

It is clear the tension remains between the pair, who have had much to say about a showdown in the past.

A fight could make sense next for both operators, who both have huge commercial selling power.

And victory for either could spell a perfect launchpad to launch a new assault on the big names at the back end of 2026.

Could Wilder vs Joshua happen next?

It could be a real possibility now with Joshua set to return for the first time since December.

AJ knocked out Jake Paul in his last outing, but was injured in a car accident which delayed his 2026 plans.

But it is now expected he will return in July, with a bout being eyed for a potential lucrative meeting with Tyson Fury.

And Wilder believes he is now healed and ready to go to take on Joshua next.

He told talkSPORT in an additional statement when asked about a fight with Joshua: “Put up or shut up baby.

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“I’m ready and back now, a healed Wilder is a dangerous Wilder. I’ll come anywhere in the world to fight.”