Deontay Wilder had only one name on his lips after his knockout win over Bermane Stiverne.
The WBC heavyweight, who retained his title in last night’s short-lived contest, required just one round to dispose of the late stand-in challenger.
Stiverne, who replaced the suspended Luis Ortiz, remained hopeful of avenging his unanimous decision defeat to Wilder in 2015 but, as it turned out, the rematch was far more conclusive.
‘The Bronze Bomber’ dropped Stiverne no fewer than three times in the first round of his latest title defence.
Wilder displayed his trademark wild style, knocking out Stiverne as the heavyweight champ caught him with some brutal punches, including a devastating left-right combination.
Watch the ‘full’ fight in the footage below:
In a display which wouldn’t have looked out of place in a Rocky movie, Stiverne’s legs literally folded under him as Wilder’s mammoth hooks landed.
The American’s record now moves up to 39-0, showing no signs of slowing down.
Wilder appeared to dismiss the prospect of fighting Britain’s Dillian Whyte – who last weekend won an eliminator to put himself in prime position to compete for a world title – claiming the vacant WBC silver heavyweight crown.
Instead, attention shifted straight to WBA and IBF Champion, Anthony Joshua, with Wilder stating after his victory:
I know I am the best. Are you up for the test?
I’ve been waiting on that fight for a long time now.
I declare war upon you. Do you accept my challenge?
The Bronze Bomber continued:
They are trying to give me a peasant in Whyte. A king doesn’t chase the peasants. A king takes kings.
I want Joshua. If he doesn’t give me the fight we have other plans.
The world wants Joshua, the world wants Wilder, I want Joshua. Joshua come and see me baby.
No more dodging, no more excuses. Make the date, don’t wait. Let’s see who is the best.
However, according to AJ’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, Anthony Joshua has vowed to ‘eat’ America’s world heavyweight champ.
Speaking to Sky Sports Hearn said:
I think 2018, we want to see Deontay Wilder against Anthony Joshua, no question.
I was really interested to see the weight of Deontay Wilder on the scales, 15st 9. I texted that to Anthony today, Deontay Wilder, 15st 9.
I shouldn’t really tell you the reply, but it was ‘I’ll eat him,’ and the size difference is huge.
It’s two-and-a-half stone now between those two.
As for the likes of Joseph Parker and Tyson Fury, Hearn revealed:
Of course Joshua has told me we want all the belts and that means taking on all the champions.
The gentleman over there sitting ringside, Tyson Fury, he’s in the plans for 2018 as well.
Joseph Parker as well. I had a text from his promoter tonight, asking if we fancy making that fight next.
Everybody wants to fight Anthony Joshua and you will see him fight everybody.
Wilder was taken the full distance for the only time in his career when he beat Stiverne on points to claim the WBC belt back in January, 2015.
This time around he finished the fight with just seconds left in the opening round, taking his undefeated record to 39 victories – 38 by way of knockout.
