Deontay Wilder shows no sign of regret over the lost opportunity to face Anthony Joshua, a fight that never materialized. The former WBC heavyweight champion from the United States has been mentioned repeatedly as a potential opponent for Joshua this summer, thanks to suggestions from Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing.
Hearn hinted that a Wilder‑Joshua clash could be penciled in before Joshua’s anticipated bout with Tyson Fury in 2026. However, the next fight on Joshua’s calendar is set for July, where he will travel to Riyadh to meet the little‑known Albanian contender Kristian Prenga, not Wilder.
Wilder’s manager, Shelly Finkel, made it clear that his client is not feeling any disappointment about the missed matchup. Speaking to Sky Sports, Finkel said, “You can’t be upset about something that never happened. Eddie never reached out to us, and Joshua clearly didn’t have any intention of fighting Deontay.” The manager’s remarks underscore a pragmatic outlook: if a fight isn’t arranged, there’s no reason to mourn it.
Matchroom Boxing declined to comment when Sky Sports sought a response, leaving the speculation largely unconfirmed. The notion of a Wilder‑Joshua fight has resurfaced several times over the years. Back in 2019, a bout between the two was on the verge of becoming a historic clash for the undisputed heavyweight crown.
That window closed when Joshua suffered an upset loss to Andy Ruiz, a defeat he later avenged in a rematch. The episode demonstrated how quickly the heavyweight landscape can shift, turning near‑certain fights into distant what‑ifs. In more recent times, the two fighters have shared a card, most notably when Joshua dispatched Otto Wallin in 2023. On that same evening, Wilder suffered an unexpected defeat at the hands of Joseph Parker, a result that temporarily derailed his momentum.
Nonetheless, Wilder rebounded later in the month by traveling to the United Kingdom and securing a win over Derek Chisora, a victory that reaffirmed his status as a top‑tier contender and kept the door open for future marquee matchups. Beyond Joshua, Wilder’s name has been linked to other heavyweight luminaries.
One of the most intriguing possibilities is a fight with unified champion Oleksandr Usyk. Wilder has hinted that such a showdown could still happen, stating to Sky Sports, “It can happen and it will happen, unless I retire – and if I do, that’s fine with me. I have to fulfill the goals I set at the start of my career.” He emphasized his desire to unify the division, describing the prospect as an “overwhelming feeling” that has eluded him so far.
Wilder also acknowledged the confusing nature of boxing negotiations, noting that rumors often swirl without concrete outcomes. “I hear a lot of things. I don’t keep up with too much. I hear he wants to fight me and then all of a sudden he doesn’t want to fight me.
You really don’t know what to believe when you’re in the business of boxing,” he told the reporter. He concluded by expressing respect for Joshua’s abilities, saying, “He’s one of the best in this era. I do need him to accomplish what I need to accomplish.” The heavyweight division remains in a state of flux, with several high‑profile fights still pending. While the Wilder‑Joshua bout may never come to fruition, both fighters continue to pursue their individual objectives.
Joshua’s upcoming fight against Prenga will serve as a stepping stone toward his long‑term plan, which likely includes a clash with Tyson Fury. Meanwhile, Wilder is positioning himself for another big night, whether that involves a showdown with Usyk, a rematch with a previous opponent, or perhaps an entirely new challenger who can propel him back into title contention. In the broader context, the episode illustrates a common theme in boxing: the gap between speculation and reality. Promoters, managers, and fighters often discuss potential matchups publicly, generating excitement among fans, but the actual contracts and logistics can be far more complex.
When a fight is announced, it is usually the result of months—sometimes years—of behind‑the‑scenes negotiation, medical clearances, and financial alignment. If any piece of that puzzle fails to fit, the bout can disappear without a trace, leaving only headlines and fan speculation. For Wilder, the lesson seems to be one of resilience and forward focus.
Rather than dwelling on a fight that never materialized, he is channeling his energy into the next opportunity, whether that means defending his recent victory over Chisora, seeking a unification bout with Usyk, or simply staying active to remain relevant in a crowded heavyweight field. His manager’s comments reinforce this mindset: there is no point in mourning a phantom fight when real challenges lie ahead.
In summary, Deontay Wilder remains unbothered by the missed chance to square off against Anthony Joshua. While the boxing world continues to buzz about a potential clash, the reality is that the two have yet to agree on terms, and other priorities have taken precedence. Wilder’s focus stays on his own career trajectory, aiming to capture the titles that have eluded him and to solidify his legacy as one of the sport’s most powerful punchers.
The future may still hold a Wilder‑Joshua showdown, but for now, both fighters are charting their own paths, and fans can look forward to the next chapter in heavyweight boxing.