ANTHONY JOSHUA has hit back at claims that he ducked Deontay Wilder when he was heavyweight champ.
The Brit has faced taunts online that he didn’t want to share a ring with the Bronze Bomber.
Anthony Joshua has hit back at online critics
Deontay Wilder could have fought AJ
Joshua, 32, has been linked with a bout with Otto Wallin, amid uncertainty over Oleksandr Usyk’s status.
Responding to rumours, AJ wrote: “Lol ok … I’ve shared this ring with most people you see in the heavyweight division today!
“I boxed Otto Wallin twice as youngsters & I boxed Joe and stopped him in 1 round. I’d do the same thing today! Ain’t nothing changed.”
A Twitter user replied: “You got scared from Wilder though 
”
One of AJ’s fans hit back with three shushing emojis, alongside a screenshot of an old Wilder tweet.
Dated November 20, 2020, Wilder wrote: “When the fight was a draw, I told you that I would give you a rematch.
“You know I was offered more money to fight Joshua than I was to fight you.
“Again being a man of my word, I fought you like I said I would…”
Joshua quoted the screenshot of Wilder’s tweet, writing: “Need I say more! Let’s put this “ AJ ducked “ saga to rest.
“I respect Wilder he’s a good fighter. He just wasn’t ready to fight me! If you don’t believe me. See below.”
Joshua has also opened up on accusations that he’s become more cautious since his defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr in June 2019.
He wrote: “I wanted to be a slicker boxer. Boxing 1.0.1 – hit & don’t get hit.
“I was told if I love fighting & want to go on 4 years try not to get hit a lot. A loss or a beaten shouldn’t make you scared of boxing.
“It made me work on my weakness. Hard 2 explain but make of it what u can.”
Joshua, 32, has explained his recent tactics
