England’s heavyweight champion of the world Anthony Joshua reacts to Deontay Wilder latest win in New York.

A huge USA vs UK heavyweight boxing rivalry has been brewing over the last couple of years between Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder.

It looks like 2018 could be the year it comes full circle.

Following his win last night over Bermane Stiverne, Deontay Wilder “declared war” on Anthony Joshua. As well as taking off his British accent and asking if he is scared to take the fight.

Joshua for his part has been relatively silent on Wilder in the media in his career to date.

Up until now that is.

Speaking to Sky Sports, his promoter Eddie Hearn revealed that Joshua sent him the following phone text after Wilder’s win last night and call out of him:

“I shouldn’t really tell you the reply, but it was ‘I’ll eat him.”

Joshua was of course referring to the difference in weight between the two.

Joshua tipped the scales over 18 stone for the first time in his career last week in his win against Carlos Takam and Deontay Wilder came in considerably lighter than that this weekend against Stiverne.

Give or take – at least 20lbs lighter.

Whether the weight has any bearing on the fight in the future remains to be seen.

One thing is a given however, both men can certainly punch with incredible knockout power. In either hand.