Deontay "The Bronze Bomber" Wilder shows no sign of regret about the lost chance to face Anthony Joshua again, despite the buzz that surrounded a potential clash earlier this year. The former WBC heavyweight champion, who hails from the United States, was floated as a possible opponent for the British fighter by Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, during the summer planning cycle.
Hearn, who runs Matchroom Boxing, hinted that a Wilder‑Joshua bout could be penciled in before Joshua’s anticipated showdown with Tyson Fury, which is slated for sometime in 2026. In the meantime, Joshua’s next fight is set for July, but it will be against the relatively unknown Albanian contender Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, not against Wilder.
Shelly Finkel, who manages Wilder, has been emphatic that his client is not bitter about the missed opportunity. In an interview with Sky Sports, Finkel said, "You can’t be disappointed about something that never happened. Eddie never reached out to us, and it was clear that Joshua had no real intention of stepping into the ring with Deontay this summer.
It’s the same old story, just a new date." Matchroom declined to comment when Sky Sports sought clarification, leaving the situation largely in the realm of speculation. Both fighters have flirted with the idea of a fight in the past. Back in 2019, a bout between Wilder and Joshua was being discussed as a potential unification clash that could crown an undisputed heavyweight champion. That prospect evaporated after Joshua suffered an upset loss to Andy Ruiz, a defeat he later avenged in a rematch.
More recently, the two shared a card in 2023 when Joshua defeated Otto Wallin, but Wilder’s own campaign took an unexpected turn when he was upset by Joseph Parker. Wilder’s recent activity in the United Kingdom, where he secured a victory over Derek Chisora earlier this month, demonstrates his continued desire to stay relevant on the world stage and to chase high‑profile matchups. He has also been linked to a possible encounter with unified champion Oleksandr Usyk, a fight that would offer Wilder a chance to finally claim the unification he has long pursued.
When asked about his future, Wilder told Sky Sports, "It can happen and it will happen, unless I decide to retire, which would be fine with me. I have to achieve what I set out to do at the start of my career. Why not set goals while you’re in the ring? Unifying the division would be an overwhelming feeling for me – something I never got the chance to experience." He added that the boxing world is full of rumors: "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 of this era.
I do need him to accomplish what I need to accomplish." The narrative surrounding a Wilder‑Joshua showdown reflects the broader complexities of heavyweight matchmaking. Both fighters command sizable fan bases and bring distinct styles: Joshua’s technical precision and athleticism versus Wilder’s raw power and knockout pedigree. Yet, logistical hurdles, promotional politics, and the ever‑shifting landscape of rankings have repeatedly stalled concrete negotiations. Looking ahead, Wilder’s camp appears focused on keeping options open.
The American heavyweight has expressed willingness to fight anyone who can provide a credible challenge and a pathway to a title unification. While the prospect of a Joshua fight remains tantalizing for fans, Wilder’s pragmatic outlook suggests he will not dwell on missed opportunities. Instead, he will continue to seek fights that align with his career objectives, whether that means stepping into the ring with Usyk, taking on another top‑ranked contender, or perhaps revisiting the Joshua conversation when the timing is more favorable. In summary, Deontay Wilder remains unperturbed by the latest disappointment regarding a potential bout with Anthony Joshua.
His manager’s comments underscore a broader philosophy: no regret over a fight that never materialized. With his recent victory over Chisora and ongoing speculation about future high‑stakes matchups, Wilder is positioning himself to stay in the heavyweight conversation and to chase the unification dream that has eluded him for years.