Lennox Lewis Accuses Anthony Joshua Of Ducking Deontay Wilder, Calls Fury 'Nightmare'

Former unified heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis believes Deontay Wilder wants a title unification fight more than Anthony Joshua, and that the latter is avoiding the American.

It looked destined that Joshua, IBF, IBO, WBA and WBO heavyweight champion, would put his belts on the line against WBC title holder Wilder in a highly-anticipated unification clash this year.

However, because of the amount of delays, the WBA eventually ordered Joshua to defend his titles against Alexander Povetkin, a bout which will now take place at Wembley Stadium on Sept. 22.

Wilder claims Joshua and his promoter Eddie Hearn were the ones who held up the deal, while the other side claims the opposite. Having recently met with the American, Lewis believes it is his fellow compatriot in "AJ" who does not want to take the fight.

"Go order Eddie Hearn to make the fight with Deontay Wilder. Now is the moment when you must take charge of your own destiny," Lewis told the Daily Mail as he advised Joshua. "It is Wilder who wants the fight. I was with Wilder in Washington last week and it is clear Joshua doesn't want the fight. He explained to me all the difficulties, of how AJ is listening to Hearn. Deontay definitely wants this fight more than any fight."

"Joshua said he would take $50 million in a heartbeat but when that offer came he didn't accept. I would have taken $50 million quicker than a heartbeat. But I never ducked anyone. I forced the situation. I ordered my manager Frank Maloney to do whatever it took to make the fight [with rival Riddick Bowe]. Yes or yes. Riddick had to meet me or vacate. Sometimes, the boxer has to take over from the promoter. I took control and opened up my chance for greatness. Anthony needs to do the same."

Lewis, the last unified champion and regarded by many as arguably the greatest heavyweight of all time, also urged Joshua not to be fearful of potentially suffering his first loss to Wilder as he can come back an even better fighter.

"I was stopped twice but that helped me prove my class, by coming back to win the rematches and become world champion again," he said.

As for Wilder, it looks like a heavyweight contest with Tyson Fury could be on the cards for December in Las Vegas. Fury is making a comeback in boxing and will face Italy's Francesco Pianeta on Aug. 18 next in what is just his second fight since November 2015.

Like Wilder and Joshua, Fury is also unbeaten, but while he lacks their power, he boasts height and speed which could be decisive according to Lewis.

"Wilder would not find this easy," Lewis explained. "Fury's height, long reach and mobility make him very difficult to beat. That's why I call him their Bogeyman. He can be a nightmare for anyone."

Fury claimed last month that negotiations were close to completion, however, it is still not booked as of now according to Showtime's Stephen Espinoza.

Despite just one fight in nearly three years, Fury is a surprising -150 betting favorite over Wilder who is listed as a +110 underdog.