Deontay Wilder shows no sign of regret over the lost opportunity to square off against Anthony Joshua, a fight that never materialised. The former WBC heavyweight champion from the United States had been floated as a potential opponent for Joshua during the summer, a notion first floated by Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn.
Hearn, who runs Matchroom Boxing, hinted that a Wilder‑Joshua clash could be pencilled in before Joshua eventually meets Tyson Fury in a much‑anticipated bout slated for 2026. However, the July card that Joshua is set to fight on will feature a relatively unknown Albanian contender, Kristian Prenga, in Riyadh, rather than the high‑profile Wilder. Shelly Finkel, who manages Wilder, has been quick to stress that his client is not bitter about the missed matchup.
In a conversation 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 stepping into the ring with Deontay Wilder." Matchroom Boxing declined to comment when Sky Sports sought a statement, leaving the speculation largely unaddressed. Despite the silence, the narrative of a possible Wilder‑Joshua showdown has resurfaced repeatedly over the years.
In 2019, the two were on the brink of a fight that would have crowned an undisputed heavyweight champion. That prospect evaporated after Joshua suffered an upset loss to Andy Ruiz, a defeat he later avenged.
The missed encounter lingered in the minds of fans and pundits alike. The two fighters have shared the same event on a few occasions, most notably when Joshua dispatched Otto Wallin in 2023. That night, Wilder suffered an unexpected defeat to Joseph Parker, which further complicated any immediate plans for a head‑to‑head clash.
Earlier this month, Wilder travelled to the United Kingdom and secured a victory over Derek Chisora, a win that has reignited discussions about his next big fight. Beyond the Joshua angle, Wilder's camp has been circling other high‑profile opponents. One name that frequently surfaces is Oleksandr Usyk, the unified heavyweight champion who holds the WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO titles.
Wilder has hinted that a bout with Usyk could be on the horizon, stating, "It can happen and it will happen, unless I decide to retire, and if that happens, that's fine with me. I have to achieve what I set out to do at the start of my career." Wilder's ambition remains clear: he wants to unify the heavyweight division, a goal that has eluded him throughout his career.
He explained, "Why not set goals while you're inside the ring? I have. Unifying the division would be an overwhelming feeling for me. That's something I never got the chance to experience." His determination is underscored by his willingness to pursue any opponent who can help him achieve that milestone.
The boxing world, however, is a maze of shifting alliances and changing priorities. Wilder admitted, "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 added, "He's one of the best in the era.
I do need him to accomplish what I need to accomplish," referring to Joshua as a benchmark opponent. Looking ahead, Wilder's schedule remains fluid.
After his recent win over Chisora, he is expected to explore several avenues, including potential match‑ups in the UK, the United States, and possibly Europe. The heavyweight division is currently crowded with talent, from the charismatic Usyk to the rising star Tyson Fury, who is also slated for a high‑profile fight with Joshua in 2026.
This crowded landscape means Wilder will need to be strategic about his next move, balancing the desire for a marquee fight with the practicalities of timing, location, and promotional backing. In the meantime, Wilder's camp continues to promote his brand and stay active in the public eye. The fighter has been featured on podcasts such as Toe2Toe, where he discusses his training regimen, future aspirations, and the mental resilience required to stay at the top of a sport that demands both physical prowess and strategic acumen. He also engages with fans through social media platforms and has been featured in various boxing highlight reels that showcase his knockout power and charismatic personality.
While the Wilder‑Joshua fight remains a tantalising "what‑if" scenario, both athletes appear focused on their immediate objectives. Joshua will face Prenga in July, a bout that will serve as a stepping stone toward his larger ambitions, while Wilder looks to capitalize on his recent victory and keep his name in the conversation for future heavyweight clashes. Whether or not the two ever meet in the ring, the speculation surrounding their potential encounter continues to fuel discussions among fans, analysts, and promoters alike.
In summary, Deontay Wilder is unfazed by the missed chance to fight Anthony Joshua. He acknowledges that the fight never materialised, and he remains committed to pursuing his ultimate goal of unifying the heavyweight division. With a recent win under his belt and several high‑profile opponents on the radar, Wilder's future remains open, and his determination to achieve greatness in the sport shows no signs of waning.