Deontay Wilder shows no sign of regret over the lost opportunity to face Anthony Joshua, a fight that never materialized. The former WBC heavyweight champion from the United States had been floated as a possible opponent for Joshua during the summer, a notion first floated by Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing. Hearn hinted that a Wilder‑Joshua clash could be arranged before Joshua’s anticipated showdown with Tyson Fury later in 2026.
However, the July card that Joshua is slated to fight on will feature the little‑known Albanian contender Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, not Wilder. Wilder’s manager, Shelly Finkel, made it clear that his client is not bitter about the missed bout. Speaking to Sky Sports, Finkel said, “You can’t be disappointed about something that never happened. Eddie never reached out to us, and Joshua never intended to fight Deontay.” He added that the situation is “the same old story, just a new date,” implying that the negotiations have simply been postponed rather than abandoned.
Matchroom declined to comment when Sky Sports sought a response, and the promoter’s silence only fuels speculation about whether the two heavyweight titans will ever meet inside the ring. Both fighters have flirted with the idea of a showdown in the past. In 2019, a fight between Wilder and Joshua was on the verge of becoming a historic unification bout that would 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.
Fast forward to 2023, the two shared a card when Joshua dispatched Otto Wallin, while Wilder endured an unexpected defeat at the hands of Joseph Parker. More recently, Wilder traveled to the United Kingdom and secured a victory over Derek Chisora, reigniting talk of a potential clash with Joshua or even a bout with the unified champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Wilder has repeatedly expressed his desire to unify the heavyweight division, stating, “It can happen and it will happen, unless I retire, and if that’s the case I’m fine with it. I have to achieve what I set out to do at the start of my career.” The American fighter also acknowledged the confusing nature of boxing 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 concluded by praising Joshua’s talent, saying, “He’s one of the best of this era. I need him to accomplish what I need to accomplish.” While the Wilder‑Joshua fight remains a tantalizing “what‑if” scenario, both camps appear to be focused on more immediate priorities.
Joshua is set to face Prenga in Saudi Arabia, a bout that will serve as a stepping stone toward his long‑term goal of challenging Tyson Fury. Meanwhile, Wilder is looking to stay active, potentially targeting another high‑profile opponent in the coming months, whether that be a rematch with Chisora, a clash with Usyk, or another marquee name that can help him climb back toward title contention. The heavyweight landscape in 2026 is shaping up to be crowded with big‑ticket fights. Fans are eager to see if Wilder can finally secure a unification bout, and the prospect of a Wilder‑Joshua encounter continues to generate buzz despite the logistical hurdles.
For now, both fighters remain steadfast in their respective paths, with Wilder’s manager emphasizing that there is no lingering disappointment—only the recognition that a fight that never happened cannot be mourned. The future may yet bring a meeting between these two heavyweight stars, but until then, each will pursue the opportunities that lie ahead, keeping the heavyweight division vibrant and full of anticipation.