Deontay Wilder shows no sign of regret over the latest missed chance to face Anthony Joshua, a bout that never materialised. The former WBC heavyweight champion, who hails from the United States, has been linked repeatedly to a potential clash with the British star, especially after Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn floated the idea earlier this summer. Hearn, who runs Matchroom Boxing, hinted that a Wilder‑Joshua showdown could be pencilled in before Joshua eventually targets a fight with Tyson Fury in 2026.
In reality, Joshua’s next fight is scheduled for July, but it will be against the little‑known Albanian contender Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, not Wilder. Shelly Finkel, Wilder’s manager, was quick to stress that his client is not upset about the missed opportunity.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Finkel said, “You can’t be disappointed about something that never existed. Eddie never reached out to us and it’s clear Joshua never intended to step into the ring with Deontay.” The sentiment was echoed by Matchroom, which declined to comment when Sky Sports sought a response. The pattern of talks that never turn into contracts is familiar to both camps.
Back in 2019, a potential undisputed heavyweight clash between Wilder and Joshua seemed within reach, only for Joshua’s loss to Andy Ruiz to derail the plan. Joshua later avenged that defeat, but the Wilder fight never resurfaced.
More recently, the two fighters shared a card when Joshua dispatched Otto Wallin in 2023. That night, Wilder suffered an unexpected defeat at the hands of Joseph Parker, further complicating any immediate negotiations.
Earlier this month, Wilder returned to the UK and secured a victory over Derek Chisora, keeping his name in the conversation for future marquee match‑ups. Wilder’s camp has also been circling other high‑profile opponents. The American heavyweight has been mentioned as a possible challenger for unified champion Oleksandr Usyk, a fight that would offer Wilder a chance to finally claim the unification he has chased throughout his career.
When asked about his ambitions, Wilder told Sky Sports, “It can happen and it will happen, unless I decide to retire – and if that’s the case, I’ll be fine with it. I have to fulfil the goals I set at the start of my career.” He added that unifying the division would be an “overwhelming feeling” – something he has never experienced despite his long tenure at the top of the sport. Wilder also noted the confusing nature of boxing negotiations, saying, “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.” Despite the back‑and‑forth, Wilder remains confident that a fight with Joshua is still on the horizon. “He’s one of the best of this era.
I do need him to accomplish what I need to accomplish,” Wilder said, underscoring his belief that a clash between the two would be a defining moment for both fighters. The broader boxing calendar for 2026 is already packed with big‑ticket events, and fans are eager to see how the heavyweight landscape will evolve.
With Joshua set to fight in the Middle East and Wilder still active on the European circuit, the possibility of a future meeting remains alive, even if the timing is uncertain. In the meantime, Wilder continues to seek high‑profile bouts to cement his legacy. His recent win over Chisora demonstrated that he still possesses the power and charisma that once made him a feared knockout artist. Whether he ends up facing Joshua, Usyk, or another top contender, Wilder’s focus remains on delivering exciting fights and pursuing the unification that has eluded him for years.
The takeaway for fans is simple: while the Wilder‑Joshua fight didn’t happen this summer, the doors remain open. Both camps have expressed interest at different times, and the ever‑shifting nature of boxing negotiations means that today’s “no” could become tomorrow’s “yes.” As long as Wilder stays healthy and motivated, the heavyweight division will continue to produce compelling storylines, and a potential showdown with Anthony Joshua will always linger on the periphery of the sport’s biggest narratives.