Anthony Joshua fight must yield a 50-50 cash split, insists Deontay Wilder

Deontay Wilder has reiterated his claim that he will not sign up for a world heavyweight title unification bout with Anthony Joshua unless he gets half of the proceeds.

Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn is targeting a clash with the WBC champion next year but has previously said “over my dead body” when asked if Wilder will get a straight split.

The 32-year-old Wilder, who has won all 39 of his professional fights, is convinced Hearn is trying to talk his way out of a showdown.

Wilder told ESPN: “We’re not (going to) chase anybody. I’m not chasing Joshua. If he doesn’t want the fight, then that’s fine.

“It is a great fight, it is one of the biggest fights in the world and everyone wants it. (But) it will be 50-50 or else we don’t see a fight.

“If they want to use splits not to make a fight happen, then so be it. It is not like I’m asking for more – I’m saying this is a 50-50 fight and that’s how it is. In the rematch we can talk about 60-40 splits of whatever – that is more acceptable.”

Joshua saw off late replacement Carlos Takam in October and is focusing on a prospective bout against WBO champion Joseph Parker in the new year.

Despite similar contractual issues, Joshua’s camp have expressed confidence a deal can be struck to face the New Zealander early in 2018.