Deontay Wilder shows no sign of regret over the missed chance to square off against Anthony Joshua, a bout that never materialised. The former WBC heavyweight champion from the United States has been mentioned repeatedly as a potential opponent for Joshua, especially after Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn floated the idea of a summer clash. Hearn, who runs Matchroom Boxing, indicated that a Wilder‑Joshua fight could be pencilled in before Joshua eventually targets a showdown with Tyson Fury in 2026. At present, Joshua’s next fight is scheduled for July, but it will be against the relatively unknown Albanian contender Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, not against Wilder.
Shelly Finkel, Wilder’s manager, made it clear that his fighter is not upset about the missed opportunity. In an interview with Sky Sports, Finkel said, “You can’t be disappointed about something that never was. Eddie never reached out to us, and Joshua clearly had no intention of fighting Deontay.” The manager added that the whole episode feels like “the same old story, just a new date.” Matchroom declined to comment when Sky Sports sought a response, leaving the speculation open‑ended. The lack of direct communication appears to have satisfied Wilder’s camp, who seem comfortable focusing on other prospects rather than dwelling on what might have been.
Historically, the idea of a Wilder‑Joshua clash has resurfaced several times. Back in 2019, the two fighters were on the brink of a fight that could have produced an undisputed heavyweight champion.
That prospect seemed within reach until Joshua suffered an upset loss to Andy Ruiz, a defeat he later avenged. The loss temporarily derailed the timeline for a Wilder‑Joshua showdown, pushing it further into the future. More recently, both men appeared on the same card when Joshua dispatched Otto Wallin in 2023.
That night, Wilder suffered an unexpected defeat to Joseph Parker, a result that shifted his immediate plans. Despite that setback, Wilder continued to stay active, traveling to the United Kingdom earlier this month to face Derek Chisora. He secured a victory over Chisora, demonstrating that he remains a viable contender in the heavyweight division and is still looking for high‑profile match‑ups. In addition to the Joshua angle, Wilder has been linked to a potential clash with unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
The Ukrainian champion, who holds multiple belts, represents another lucrative target for Wilder, who has expressed a desire to unify the division. In a previous interview with Sky Sports, Wilder said, “It can happen and it will happen, unless I retire – and if I do, that’s fine with me. I have to achieve what I set out to do at the start of my career.” He continued, “Why not set goals while you’re inside the ring?
Unifying the division would be an overwhelming feeling for me. That’s something I never got the chance to experience.” Wilder also commented on the confusing nature of fight 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.” He praised Joshua as “one of the best in the era” and emphasized that he still needs a fight with Joshua to fulfil his own ambitions. Looking ahead, Wilder’s focus appears to be on staying active and seeking opponents who can help him climb back toward a title shot. His recent win over Chisora keeps him in the conversation, and the potential Usyk fight remains an intriguing possibility.
Meanwhile, Joshua’s upcoming bout with Prenga in Riyadh will serve as a stepping stone toward his own future plans, which could still involve a clash with Wilder if the timing ever aligns. In summary, Deontay Wilder is not lamenting a fight that never happened. He acknowledges that the negotiations never solidified, and he is content to pursue other opportunities while keeping the door open for a future showdown with Anthony Joshua. The heavyweight landscape continues to evolve, and both fighters remain key figures in the ongoing narrative of the division.