Former WBC cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew was angered by some of the recent statement that came from WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder - who threw several verbal jabs that gave the impression that he feels IBF, IBO, WBA champion Anthony Joshua is using performance enhancing drugs.
Wilder (39-0, 38 KOs), who had three past opponents test positive for banned substances since 2016, has been pushing very hard to get Joshua (20-0, 20 KOs) in the ring.
There are ongoing negotiations for a Wilder vs. Joshua unification, possibly in the summer of 2018.
Bellew felt Wilder crossed the line with certain comments regarding Joshua.
"It was disgusting that Wilder came out and insinuated Joshua is on steroids. He called him A ‘Juicing’ J. But, no one has picked up that. Wilder should be made to pay heavily for that. Joshua has never failed a drug test in his life and he’s probably the most tested boxer in the world," Bellew told Metro.
"Every time I speak to him, he’s getting tested. It brings the sport into disrepute when you label a fighter a cheat when he’s not."
Bellew also feels that some critics are being unrealistic with their demands on who Joshua should face in the coming year.
"And another thing, people need to stop saying Joshua could fight Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder and Joseph Parker in one year. That’s an unrealistic number of big fights for 12 months and Joshua knows that. That’s why he came out and said he wouldn’t be fighting all three of them in 2018," Bellew said.
"Joshua is the best athlete in world boxing and I suppose if anyone could do it, it’s him, but there’s no need for it. I know Anthony and I know him well, and he just wants to face everyone. But, he doesn’t have to do it all in 2018. He always steps up to plate, always delivers and I can’t see that changing."
2023-10-20 00:41:43
