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Deontay Wilderhas urged British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua to “remain resilient” and mentioned that his heavyweight opponent is in his “thoughts” after the passing of two of Joshua’s friends in December, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

Joshua sustained slight injuries in a road accident in Nigeria on December 29, which resulted in the deaths of Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele. The three were traveling in a car that crashed into a parked truck on a highway near Lagos.

“In this boxing world, we’re all part of the same family,” Wilder said to BBC Sport.

So, from one brother to another—keep strong, Anthony Joshua. Keep your head high, Anthony Joshua. Stay spiritually uplifted, bro, because you still have life.

Wilder, set to face British fighter Derek Chisora on April 4 in London, mentioned that the incident triggered “old emotions” related to the passing of his cousin, who died in a car crash.

“It’s challenging to find the right words to convey to someone, but know that you are in our prayers,” Wilder stated.

Perhaps my words hold no significance at this moment. Maybe they will in the future. I am uncertain about his current mental, emotional, physical, or spiritual state, but I am determined to encourage him to remain resilient.

Although they have been long-standing competitors, former heavyweight world champions Joshua and Wilder never faced each other in the ring. A planned unification bout fell through in 2018 when Wilder was in possession of the WBC title and Joshua held the WBA, WBO, and IBF championships.

Nevertheless, Wilder stated to Sun Sport that he still has confidence a much-anticipated clash with Joshua will eventually take place.

“I don’t have any regrets at all. Naturally, it’s a scenario where you want to provide the fight fans, or simply the general fans, with what they desire, but it takes two to tango and that’s just how it is,” Wilder stated.

I am certain of one thing, he is still involved in the industry. I heard that he had retired, but I’m not sure how long that has been. If he returns and he is still in the business, and I am still in the business, we can still compete.

The heavyweight class is quite compact, allowing all of us to face each other multiple times due to its small size. If he remains in the division and I do as well, then naturally, why not? We are bound to meet at some point.

During a press briefing on Wednesday, Wilder addressed mental health challenges stemming from personal issues and mentioned that the “fire” remains within him as he and Chisora get ready for their 50th professional bout.

“After consulting two therapists and sports psychologists, I’m now rediscovering myself and reuniting with my true self. I know I’m back,” Wilder stated.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).