Deontay Wilder shows no remorse for missing yet another chance to face Anthony Joshua, a bout that never actually materialized. The former WBC heavyweight champion from the United States has been floated as a possible opponent for Joshua this summer, a notion first floated by Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn, the head of Matchroom Boxing.
Hearn hinted that a Wilder‑Joshua showdown could be arranged before Joshua eventually takes on Tyson Fury in 2026, suggesting a flexible timeline that would accommodate both fighters. Despite the speculation, Joshua’s next fight is set for July, but it will be against a relatively unknown Albanian contender, Kristian Prenga, in Riyadh, not Wilder.
Shelly Finkel, who manages Wilder, made it clear that his client is not bitter about the missed opportunity. "Can't be disappointed about something that never was," Finkel told Sky Sports, emphasizing that there was never a firm agreement in place. He added that Eddie Hearn never reached out to Wilder’s camp, and that Joshua himself never expressed a genuine desire to step into the ring with Wilder at this juncture.
The pattern of missed connections is familiar in heavyweight boxing. Matchroom declined to comment when Sky Sports sought clarification, leaving the narrative to the statements from both camps.
In the past, negotiations between the two fighters have come close to fruition. Back in 2019, a potential undisputed heavyweight clash seemed within reach, only for Joshua to suffer an upset loss to Andy Ruiz—a defeat he later avenged. That episode stalled any immediate plans for a Wilder‑Joshua showdown.
More recently, the two shared a card when Joshua dispatched Otto Wallin in 2023. That event coincided with Wilder’s own unexpected defeat to Joseph Parker, a loss that further complicated any immediate matchmaking possibilities. Earlier this month, Wilder traveled to the United Kingdom and secured a victory over Derek Chisora, keeping his name relevant in the heavyweight conversation and signaling his continued ambition to secure high‑profile fights. Wilder’s future opponents remain a topic of intrigue.
Aside from Joshua, he has been linked to a potential clash with unified champion Oleksandr Usyk. In a previous interview with Sky Sports, Wilder expressed optimism, stating, "It can happen and it will happen, unless I retire, and if that happens, that’s fine with me. I must accomplish what I set out to do at the beginning of my career." He reiterated his desire to unify the heavyweight division, describing such an achievement as an "overwhelming feeling" that has eluded him so far. The boxer also acknowledged the confusing nature of fight rumors in the sport.
"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," Wilder said. He concluded by praising Joshua’s abilities, noting, "He’s one of the best in this era. I do need him to accomplish what I need to accomplish." Looking ahead, Wilder’s schedule appears open, with his management indicating that he remains eager to face top‑tier opponents. While the Joshua fight may have slipped through his fingers for now, the heavyweight landscape continues to evolve, and Wilder’s willingness to pursue big‑ticket bouts keeps him in the mix.
Whether it’s a future clash with Joshua, a showdown with Usyk, or another marquee matchup, Wilder’s focus remains on cementing his legacy and achieving the unification he has long coveted. The absence of regret underscores his confidence that the right opportunity will eventually present itself, and that his career will be defined by the fights he does take, not the ones that never came to fruition.