Deontay Wilder isn’t expressing any sorrow about the fact that a highly anticipated clash with Anthony Joshua never materialised. The former WBC heavyweight champion from the United States has been mentioned repeatedly as a potential opponent for Joshua this summer, largely due to speculation from Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing. Hearn hinted that a Wilder-Joshua bout could be pencilled in before the British fighter eventually takes on Tyson Fury in a later part of 2026.

However, the next fight on Joshua’s schedule is set for July, where he will travel to Riyadh to face the relatively unknown Albanian contender Kristian Prenga, not Wilder. Wilder’s manager, Shelly Finkel, made it clear that his client is not bitter about the missed opportunity.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Finkel said, "You can’t be disappointed about something that never happened. Eddie never reached out to us, and it was obvious that Joshua had no real intention of stepping into the ring with Deontay." The manager’s comments underscore a pragmatic attitude: if a fight never entered serious negotiations, there is no cause for frustration. Matchroom Boxing declined to comment when Sky Sports sought a response, leaving the speculation largely unverified.

Nonetheless, the idea of a Wilder-Joshua showdown has a long history. Back in 2019, both fighters were on the cusp of a unification bout that would have crowned an undisputed heavyweight champion. That prospect evaporated after Joshua suffered a shocking defeat to Andy Ruiz, a loss he later avenged. The two have crossed paths on the same card more recently, most notably when Joshua dispatched Otto Wallin in 2023.

On that same evening, Wilder experienced an unexpected setback, losing to Joseph Parker. Since then, Wilder has been active in the UK, securing a victory over Derek Chisora earlier this month.

The win has reignited discussions about his next move, with several names being floated. One of the most prominent possibilities is a clash with the unified champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Wilder has hinted that such a fight could still happen, stating to Sky Sports, "It can happen and it will happen, unless I decide to retire, which would be fine. I still have the goals I set at the start of my career." Wilder elaborated on his ambitions, explaining that unifying the heavyweight division would be a career-defining achievement he has never had the chance to experience. He added that the boxing world is full of rumors and shifting narratives: "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’s one of the best in the era. I do need him to accomplish what I need to accomplish." The broader context of heavyweight boxing in 2026 also plays a role in shaping Wilder’s options.

The sport’s calendar is packed with high-profile bouts, and promoters are constantly juggling matchups to maximize viewership and revenue. While a Wilder-Joshua fight would undoubtedly generate massive interest, logistical challenges, contractual obligations, and the fighters’ own career strategies often dictate the final outcome. Wilder’s recent performances suggest he remains a relevant force in the division.

His victory over Chisora demonstrated that, despite his age and the setbacks of recent years, he still possesses the power and skill to compete at a high level. Moreover, his willingness to entertain a fight with Usyk indicates a desire to test himself against the very best, regardless of the commercial appeal of a Joshua showdown. In summary, Deontay Wilder is not lamenting the missed opportunity to fight Anthony Joshua because, in his view, it was never a concrete prospect to begin with.

His camp emphasizes that no official outreach occurred, and the lack of a formal offer means there is nothing to be disappointed about. As the heavyweight landscape continues to evolve, Wilder is focusing on the fights that are on the table, keeping his options open, and maintaining his long‑term objective of unifying the heavyweight titles before he eventually hangs up his gloves.