Deontay Wilder’s career was left in ruins by a defeat to Joseph Parker in December, but the “Bronze Bomber” is back and wants showdowns with Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.

Deontay Wilder says a fight against Anthony Joshua in London “turns him on” as the American heavyweight contender tries to rebuild his career. The former WBC world champion was due to face Joshua in Saudi Arabia in March, but the “Bronze Bomber” produced a dismal performance in a unanimous decision defeat to Joseph Parker in December.

Wilder blew his chances of facing Joshua in the process, but 38-year-old hopes he can bounce back in style when he faces Zhilei Zhang on the Matchroom vs Queensberry card in Riyadh on June 1. Joshua and Wilder have both talked up a fight over the years but it has never materialised, largely due to promotional politics.

But Wilder believes the fight will finally be made if he deals with Zhang in explosive fashion next month. “Yeah, it turns me on,” Wilder told Sportsbook Review about the prospect of facing Joshua in London.

“I have no problem coming to London. It would be amazing for me. I actually have major fans in the UK, and I think they’re going to show up and represent me, even though I’m fighting their countryman. All these fights are beautiful to talk about, but I’ve got to handle business come June 1. But it has been a long time coming for that fight with AJ.

“It’s easy for them to talk about it right now because I already have a task I need to accomplish, but we’ll see what type of talk they have when I accomplish my task, then there will be no more hiding, no will be able to hide, no one will be able to be outspoken without any weight behind it. When I do what I’ve got to do, then you’ve got to be a man of your word and do what you said you’re going to do.”

Joshua is riding a four-fight winning streak, capped with a sensational knockout victory over MMA star Francis Ngannou in March. Wilder has been left impressed by the Englishman’s return to form, but he insists he has no fear of stepping into the ring with the former two-time unified heavyweight king.

“I want it. I’ve never ran from a fight, I never shied away from the fight, no matter what you’ve heard over the years,” he said. “I’ve never run from anyone, I’ve never dodged anyone, I’ve taken the short end of the sticks just to make fights happen, that’s the god’s honest truth. I’m here, and when I’ve done what I’m supposed to, let’s get this fight on. I want the biggest fights possible that can be made, but it all relies on June 1.‌

“I will pack my bags and come to Wembley happily. When I come to the UK I am welcomed with open arms, it’s amazing to see the people and to get the gratitude and hospitality I get. It makes me feel like it’s my second home.”

Wilder also has his heart set on a fourth fight with Tyson Fury. The pair first met in 2018 with the bout ending in a draw before Fury won the rematch and the trilogy fight by stoppage in 2020 and 2021 respectively.

“I want to make Tyson Fury pay so bad, so bad. I don’t think that chapter is over with. I could see a fourth fight. I could see a fourth in the making, created by the creators. The Saudis have the source and the power to make it all happen. I want to get it back so bad.”