Deontay Wilder has hit back at accusations his status as a world class heavyweight is built on his rivalry with Watford's Anthony Joshua.

Eddie Hearn, who is Joshua's promoter, recently criticised Wilder for demanding a 60/40 split from any potential bout with Joshua and claimed the American has wasted his and Joshua's time in negotiations.

Wilder, however, has been quick to dismiss Hearn's comments and has responded by saying his reputation is the product of a perfect 40-0 record featuring 39 knockouts.

Wilder said: "We're not focused on them. we're not even concerned about them. When was the last time we even said anything about them?

"I don't need him (Joshua) to bring status to me. My status came to me because I knock people out, not because of another man."

A unification bout between Joshua and Wilder would produce a huge purse for the two fighters who hold every major heavyweight title between them.

Negotiations between their respective camps broke down earlier this year but a fight is still expected to take place at some point in the future.

Joshua has already gone public with his desire to face Wilder should the 'Bronze Bomber' emerge victorious from his meeting with Tyson Fury on Saturday, December 1.

Wilder winning that bout is by no means a foregone conclusion, with Fury eager to make a return to the top of a division he dominated by winning the WBA, IBF and WBO belts when beating Wladimir Klitschko in 2015.

Wilder's focus is, therefore, solely on facing Fury before he turns his attention to the possibility of meeting Joshua.

He said: "He (Fury) was the one to obtain all the belts, he was the one that beat Klitschko, he is the man who beat the man.

"He may not have all the titles, but he is considered the lineal champion of the world."