Deontay "The Bronze Bomber" Wilder shows no signs of regret about the missed opportunity to face Anthony Joshua again. The former WBC heavyweight champion, who hails from the United States, has been floated around as a potential opponent for the British star on several occasions, most recently this summer.
The idea was floated by Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, who runs Matchroom Boxing, and Hearn even hinted that a Wilder‑Joshua clash could be pencilled in before Joshua’s anticipated showdown with Tyson Fury in 2026. In reality, Joshua’s next fight is scheduled for July, but it will be against a relatively unknown Albanian fighter, Kristian Prenga, in Riyadh, not against Wilder. Shelly Finkel, Wilder’s longtime manager, made it clear that his client is not bitter about the situation. Speaking to 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 stepping into the ring with Deontay.” The sentiment was echoed in a broader context: the boxing world has seen many talks of a Wilder‑Joshua showdown, but those discussions have often fizzled out before ever becoming a concrete contract. When asked for comment, Matchroom declined to respond, leaving the speculation to linger in the press. Both fighters have a history of near‑misses.
Back in 2019, a bout between Wilder and Joshua was being positioned as a potential unification fight that could crown an undisputed heavyweight champion. That prospect seemed within reach until Joshua suffered a shocking defeat at the hands of Andy Ruiz, a loss he later avenged.
The episode demonstrated how quickly the landscape can shift, turning a likely showdown into a distant fantasy. Fast forward to 2023, the two heavyweights appeared on the same card when Joshua defeated Otto Wallin.
That night, Wilder suffered an unexpected loss to Joseph Parker, which further complicated any immediate plans for a clash between the two. Nonetheless, Wilder continued to stay active, traveling to the United Kingdom earlier this month to take on Derek Chisora, a fight he won convincingly. The victory reignited speculation that Wilder might finally secure a marquee matchup, whether against Joshua or another top‑ranked opponent. In recent weeks, rumors have linked Wilder to a potential bout with the unified champion Oleksandr Usyk.
When asked about the possibility, Wilder told Sky Sports, “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 when I started my career.” He added that unifying the heavyweight division remains a personal goal, describing the prospect as an "overwhelming feeling" he has never experienced. Wilder’s ambition is clear: he wants to be the man who finally brings all the major belts together under one name.
Wilder also addressed the constant chatter surrounding his name. "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 said. "He’s one of the best of this era. I do need him to accomplish what I need to accomplish." The underlying message from Wilder and his camp is simple: they will keep moving forward, regardless of whether Joshua ever steps into the ring with them.
The American heavyweight remains focused on his own path, seeking fights that will bring him closer to the unification dream. Whether that means a showdown with Joshua, a clash with Usyk, or another high‑profile opponent, Wilder insists he is ready for any challenge that aligns with his career objectives. In the meantime, Joshua will head to Riyadh in July to face Kristian Prenga, a bout that is unlikely to generate the same level of global interest as a Wilder‑Joshua fight would have. Still, the heavyweight division remains in flux, with numerous possible match‑ups on the horizon.
Fans and analysts alike will continue to watch how the negotiations evolve, especially as both fighters approach the later stages of their careers. Ultimately, Wilder’s lack of regret underscores a broader reality in boxing: opportunities often come and go, and the only thing a fighter can control is his own preparation and willingness to seize the next chance.
As long as Wilder stays active, wins fights, and keeps his name in the conversation, the possibility of a future blockbuster bout—whether with Joshua or another top contender—remains alive. The former champion’s confidence and forward‑looking attitude suggest that, even if the specific fight with Joshua never materialises, his quest for heavyweight glory is far from over.