Deontay "The Bronze Bomber" Wilder shows no sign of regret over the latest missed 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, largely due to the efforts of Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, who runs Matchroom Boxing.
Hearn hinted that a Wilder‑Joshua clash could be penciled in before Joshua eventually takes on Tyson Fury in a much‑anticipated bout slated for 2026. In reality, Joshua’s next fight is set for July, but it will be against the relatively unknown Albanian contender Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, not Wilder. Wilder’s manager, Shelly Finkel, was quick to stress that his client has not been disappointed by the missed matchup. "You can’t be upset about something that never happened," Finkel told Sky Sports, adding that Eddie Hearn never reached out and that Joshua never seriously pursued a fight with Wilder.
The conversation around a Wilder‑Joshua showdown has been a recurring theme in boxing circles for years. Back in 2019, the two heavyweight stars were on the verge of a bout that would have crowned an undisputed champion.
That prospect seemed within reach until Joshua suffered an upset loss to Andy Ruiz, a defeat he later avenged in a rematch. The missed opportunity lingered, and fans have continued to speculate about when the two might finally meet. Fast forward to 2023, both men appeared on the same card when Joshua knocked out Otto Wallin in a dominant performance.
That night, Wilder suffered a surprising defeat to Joseph Parker, a result that further complicated any immediate plans for a clash between the two. Despite that setback, Wilder remained active, traveling to the United Kingdom earlier this month to face Derek Chisora, a bout he won convincingly. The victory has reignited discussions about his next opponent, with names like unified champion Oleksandr Usyk entering the conversation. Wilder has repeatedly expressed his desire to unify the heavyweight division, a goal that has eluded him throughout his career.
In a prior interview with Sky Sports, he said, "It can happen and it will happen, unless I retire – and if I do, that’s fine. I have to achieve what I set out to do when I started boxing. Unifying the division would be an overwhelming feeling for me; it’s something I’ve never had the chance to experience." He also acknowledged the confusing nature of boxing negotiations, noting, "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." The lack of a concrete offer from Hearn’s camp has left Wilder’s camp unfazed. "Same old story, just a new date," Finkel remarked, implying that the pattern of talks followed by dead ends is familiar territory for both fighters.
Matchroom Boxing declined to comment when approached by Sky Sports for clarification on the matter. Looking ahead, Wilder’s schedule appears open for a high‑profile clash. With his recent win over Chisora, he has proven he can still compete at the elite level, and the heavyweight landscape is currently dominated by a handful of big‑name champions: Joshua, Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, and the rising contender Andy Ruiz Jr. Each of these fighters presents a different stylistic challenge, and Wilder’s camp has hinted that any of them could be on the table, provided the financial and promotional terms align.
The broader context of heavyweight boxing in 2026 also adds intrigue. The sport’s calendar is packed with potential mega‑fights, and promoters are keen to capitalize on the public’s appetite for marquee matchups. A Wilder‑Joshua fight would not only settle a long‑standing rivalry but also generate substantial pay‑per‑view revenue, especially given both fighters’ substantial fan bases in the United States and the United Kingdom. In summary, Deontay Wilder remains calm and confident despite the repeated near‑misses with Anthony Joshua.
His manager’s comments underscore a pragmatic approach: if a fight never materializes, there’s no point in lamenting it. Wilder continues to pursue his ultimate ambition of unifying the heavyweight titles, and with his recent victory and ongoing negotiations, the possibility of a blockbuster bout—whether against Joshua, Usyk, or another top contender—remains very much alive. The boxing world will be watching closely as the next chapter unfolds, hoping that the long‑awaited showdown finally moves from speculation to reality.