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 has been mentioned repeatedly as a potential opponent for Joshua, especially after Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn floated the idea of a summer clash. Hearn, who runs Matchroom Boxing, hinted that a Wilder‑Joshua bout could be arranged before Joshua’s anticipated showdown with Tyson Fury, which is slated for sometime in 2026. Despite the buzz, Joshua’s next fight is set for July, but it will be against the relatively unknown Albanian contender Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, not Wilder.

Shelly Finkel, who manages Wilder, made it clear that his fighter is not upset about the missed matchup. In an interview with Sky Sports, Finkel said, "You can't be disappointed about something that never was.

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 a statement, leaving the speculation open.

Both fighters have flirted with the idea of a bout in the past. Back in 2019, a fight between Wilder and Joshua seemed on the brink of happening, potentially unifying the heavyweight titles.

That prospect vanished when Joshua suffered a shocking defeat to Andy Ruiz, a loss he later avenged. The two shared a card again in 2023 when Joshua knocked out Otto Wallin, while Wilder suffered an unexpected loss to Joseph Parker on the same evening. Wilder’s recent activities suggest he remains eager for high‑profile matchups.

Earlier this month he travelled to the United Kingdom and secured a victory over Derek Chisora, adding another win to his résumé and keeping his name in the conversation for future fights. In addition to Joshua, there have been whispers linking Wilder to a clash with the unified champion Oleksandr Usyk, a bout that would capture the imagination of boxing fans worldwide.

When asked about his future, Wilder told Sky Sports, "It can happen and it will happen, unless I retire, and if that happens, that’s fine with me. I have to fulfill the goals I set at the start of my career. Why not keep setting 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 mixed messages: "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 broader heavyweight landscape in 2026 is shaping up to be packed with marquee events. Aside from the potential Wilder‑Joshua showdown, fans are looking forward to Joshua’s fight with Fury, Usyk’s title defenses, and other big‑ticket bouts that could redefine the division.

Streaming platforms such as NOW are offering contract‑free boxing content, while podcasts like Toe2Toe provide weekly analysis and highlights. Sky Sports continues to be a primary source for updates, offering video streams (optimally viewed in Chrome for accessibility) and a WhatsApp channel for the latest news, videos, and expert commentary.

In summary, while the Wilder‑Joshua fight remains a tantalising "what‑if," Wilder appears content to keep his focus on the ring and future opportunities. He acknowledges the disappointment that can arise from missed fights but refuses to let it diminish his ambition.

Whether he eventually faces Joshua, Usyk, or another top contender, Wilder’s goal remains clear: to claim a unifying victory and cement his legacy as one of the era's heavyweight greats. The boxing world will be watching closely, waiting for the next chapter in a saga that promises excitement, drama, and perhaps, finally, the showdown that fans have long desired.