Anthony Joshua Isn't Mentally Strong Against Deontay Wilder

JAKARTA - Coach Deontay Wilder, Malik Scott, boasted. He assessed that Anthony Joshua was not ready to fight again after the successive defeat of the Ukrainian world champion, Oleksandr Usyk.

Joshua is expected to return to the ring in April after failing to reclaim the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO titles from Usyk. He plans to be ready to fight against the top 15 challengers during his comeback.

Wilder is on the list that is ready to be fought. However, Scott estimates the successive defeat of former cruiserweight Usyk will have a major impact on Joshua's confidence.

"To fight a boxer like Deontay Wilder, you may need to build yourself up to face a fighter like that," Scott said as quoted by The Sun.

Unlike Joshua, 37-year-old Wilder, defeated Robert Helenius in the first round last October. It was his first fight after a year out of the ring.

Scott said the win made Wilder mentally more prepared. In addition, his team is smaller so they are much more agile to beat Joshua when compared to Usyk.

"He [Anthony Joshua] will not be able to escape. Deontay is not a big fighter. Big fighters usually fight slower. Wilder must be fast and he can't avoid it," he said.

"If you can't get out of your way, you're in trouble. And I think AJ is in trouble if he signs a contract," he added.

Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has previously planned a fight for Joshua this year. There are at least three fights that the British fighter will play.

Joshua's comeback is likely to start in April. However, who is the first boxer Joshua will face yet to know, except for indications of a well-known name.

The big plan is that Joshua (24-3, 22 KO) must become the heavyweight champion for the third time in the final duel in 2023 against WBC title belt owner Tyson Fury.