Deontay "The Bronze Bomber" Wilder shows no sign of regret over the latest missed opportunity to face Anthony Joshua, a fight that never materialized. The former WBC heavyweight champion, who has become a familiar name in American boxing circles, was recently mentioned as a potential opponent for Joshua in the summer schedule, thanks to a suggestion from Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing.
Hearn hinted that a Wilder‑Joshua clash could be arranged before Joshua’s anticipated bout with Tyson Fury, slated for sometime in 2026. In reality, 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, Wilder’s long‑time manager, made it clear that his client is not upset about the missed matchup.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Finkel said, “You can’t be disappointed about something that never was.” He added that Eddie Hearn never reached out to the Wilder camp and that Joshua had no real intention of stepping into the ring with Deontay this summer. The conversation around a Wilder‑Joshua fight has resurfaced many times over the past few years. Back in 2019, when a unified heavyweight title bout seemed within reach, the two fighters appeared on the brink of an agreement.
That momentum was abruptly halted when Joshua suffered a shocking loss to Andy Ruiz, a defeat he later avenged in a rematch. The episode left the heavyweight division in a state of flux, and the proposed showdown with Wilder faded into the background. Fast forward to 2023, the two names appeared on the same fight card when Joshua defeated Otto Wallin in Saudi Arabia. On that same night, Wilder suffered an unexpected loss to Joseph Parker, a result that shifted the narrative surrounding his career.
Despite the setback, Wilder continued to stay active, traveling to the United Kingdom earlier this month where he secured a victory over Derek Chisora. The win reignited speculation that he could still be a viable opponent for the British champion. In addition to the Joshua angle, Wilder’s camp has been exploring other high‑profile matchups.
One name that frequently surfaces is unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. The Ukrainian fighter, who has already consolidated multiple titles, represents the kind of opponent that could provide Wilder with the unification dream he has long chased.
Wilder himself has hinted that such a fight is possible, saying, “It can happen and it will happen, unless I retire – and if I do, that’s fine with me. I have to achieve what I set out to do at the start of my career.” Wilder’s ambition to unify the heavyweight division stems from a desire to accomplish something that has eluded him throughout his tenure as a top‑tier contender.
He explained that unifying the belts would be an “overwhelming feeling,” something he never had the chance to experience during his earlier fights. His comments also reflect the often‑confusing nature of boxing negotiations. "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 told Sky Sports.
Despite the uncertainty, Wilder remains confident that Joshua is still a worthy adversary. "He’s one of the best of this era. I do need him to accomplish what I need to accomplish," Wilder said, underscoring his respect for the British champion while reaffirming his own goals.
Matchroom Boxing, the promotional company behind Joshua, declined to comment when approached by Sky Sports for a statement on the rumored bout. This silence adds another layer of ambiguity to the already complex negotiation landscape that surrounds heavyweight matchups. Meanwhile, fans continue to speculate about possible dates, venues, and the financial terms that would make a Wilder‑Joshua fight feasible.
The broader heavyweight calendar for 2026 also plays a role in shaping these discussions. With multiple marquee fights projected for the year, including a potential Joshua‑Fury showdown, promoters must weigh the commercial appeal of each pairing against the logistical challenges of organizing them. The sport’s governing bodies, broadcasters, and sponsors all have a stake in deciding which fights get priority. In the meantime, Wilder is focused on staying active and building his resume.
After his victory over Chisora, he hinted at a willingness to travel wherever the next big opportunity arises, whether that means a return to the United States, a European tour, or even a bout in the Middle East. His team is also keeping an eye on the evolving landscape of the division, where rising contenders and established champions alike are jostling for position.
Ultimately, Wilder’s stance is clear: he will not mourn a fight that never happened. Instead, he is channeling his energy into future possibilities, whether that involves a clash with Joshua, a showdown with Usyk, or another high‑stakes encounter that could cement his legacy.
As the heavyweight division continues to evolve, the only certainty is that the sport’s biggest names will keep fans guessing, and Deontay Wilder will remain a central figure in those ongoing conversations.