Following the American’s (Wilder’s) renewed desire in fighting him, boxing fans have cautioned British-Nigerian fighter Anthony Joshua not to do so.
This follows Wilder’s remarkable comeback victory over Finland’s Robert Helenius on Saturday night, when Wilder was knocked out in the opening frame.
It was Wilder’s first fight in more than a year since he lost to Tyson Fury by knockout in the previous fight.
The “Bronze Bomber” told Fox Sports after the fight that he would be open to facing anyone, even unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua.
Nigerians responded strongly to his comments on social media.
See their reactions;
A Lagos based OAP, Buchi Laba, via @Buchi_Laba, tweeted, “Stay retired Joshua. Tyson Fury or Wilder just want to use you as training bag. They’re levels ahead.”
France-based Nigerian journalist, Babatunde Ojora, via his Twitter handle @Ojbsports, added, “Back with a bang. Deontay Wilder KOs Robert Helenius with a massive right hand in round one.”
Under the tweet from one of Nigeria’s influential social media accounts, @Naija_PR, the replies were comically suggestive of charms in the fight among other trolls of whoever would fight Wilder at the moment.
@Ayomiplenti said in pidgin English, “How you go see this kind person enter ring wit am” – meaning “how would you enter the ring to fight this kind of person man?”
@Macdera2 added, “Joshua abeg ooo,” suggesting that Joshua should not fight Wilder.
Meanwhile, while some were singing Wilder’s praises, others also reminded the American of the unbeaten Tyson Fury.
@the_lawrenz subtly tweeted, “Deontay Wilder beat this guy like this because him think say na Fury.”
@henry_wired even mentioned Tyson_Fury and said, “@Tyson Fury is coming for you”, while @b_soye tweeted “best in knocking out nobodies.”
