Deontay Wilder isn’t expressing any bitterness about the fact that a highly anticipated clash with Anthony Joshua never materialised. The former WBC heavyweight champion, who hails from the United States, has been mentioned repeatedly as a potential opponent for Joshua during the summer months, a notion that was initially floated by Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn. Hearn, who runs Matchroom Boxing, hinted that a Wilder‑Joshua bout could be pencilled in before Joshua eventually faces Tyson Fury in a later part of 2026. However, the fight that actually landed on Joshua’s schedule for July is a relatively low‑profile encounter against the little‑known Albanian fighter Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, not a showdown with Wilder.
Wilder’s manager, Shelly Finkel, has been very clear that his client does not feel any disappointment about the missed opportunity. In an interview with Sky Sports, Finkel said, “You can’t be upset about something that never happened.” He added that Eddie Hearn never reached out to discuss a fight, and that Joshua himself never showed genuine intent to step into the ring with Wilder. “It’s the same old story, just a different date,” Finkel remarked, underscoring that the speculation has been ongoing for years without any concrete movement.
Matchroom Boxing declined to comment when Sky Sports sought a statement, leaving the situation largely in the realm of speculation and rumor. The lack of a formal response only fuels the narrative that the two camps have not been actively negotiating, despite occasional whispers of an agreement in the past.
Historically, Wilder and Joshua have come close to sealing a deal on more than one occasion. Back in 2019, a fight between the two was being discussed as a potential unification bout that could crown an undisputed heavyweight champion. The timing seemed perfect until Joshua suffered an upset loss to Andy Ruiz, a defeat he later avenged in a rematch. That loss derailed the immediate possibility of a Wilder‑Joshua clash and pushed the conversation into the background for several years.
Fast forward to 2023, the two heavyweights shared a fight card when Joshua faced Otto Wallin. On that same night, Wilder suffered an unexpected defeat at the hands of Joseph Parker, a result that further complicated any immediate plans for a showdown with Joshua.
Despite the setback, Wilder continued to stay active, traveling to the United Kingdom earlier this month to fight Derek Chisora. Wilder secured a victory over Chisora, demonstrating that he remains a relevant force in the division and is still seeking high‑profile matchups.
In addition to the lingering interest in a Joshua fight, Wilder has also been linked to a potential bout with the unified champion Oleksandr Usyk. The Ukrainian boxer, who holds multiple heavyweight titles, represents a tantalising opponent for Wilder, who has repeatedly expressed his desire to unify the division.
“It can happen and it will happen,” Wilder told Sky Sports in a previous interview, emphasizing his commitment to achieving the goals he set at the start of his career. He added that unless he decides to retire, he will keep pursuing opportunities that allow him to fight the best in the sport. Wilder’s mindset is clear: he wants to chase titles and legacy rather than dwell on missed chances. He said, “Why not set goals while you’re inside the ring?
I have. Unifying the division would be an overwhelming feeling for me. That’s something I never got the chance to experience.” The former champion also acknowledged the confusing nature of boxing negotiations, noting that he often hears conflicting reports about who wants to fight whom. “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 explained. He concluded by reaffirming his respect for Joshua, describing him as “one of the best of this era” and stating that a fight between them would help both athletes achieve their personal objectives. While the exact timing remains uncertain, Wilder’s confidence that a matchup could still happen someday remains unwavering. Looking ahead, the heavyweight landscape in 2026 promises several marquee events.
Fans can expect Joshua’s next fight in July against Prenga, followed by a potential clash with Tyson Fury later in the year, as originally hinted by Hearn. Meanwhile, Wilder is likely to keep pursuing big‑name opponents, whether that means a bout with Usyk, a rematch with Joshua, or another high‑stakes fight against a top contender. The boxing world will be watching closely, as each decision could reshape the hierarchy of the heavyweight division and bring fans one step closer to the dream of a unified champion.
In summary, Deontay Wilder shows no remorse over a fight with Anthony Joshua that never came to fruition. He acknowledges the speculation, remains focused on his own career goals, and continues to position himself as a viable contender for future heavyweight showdowns. Whether that ultimately leads to a historic unification bout or another exciting matchup remains to be seen, but Wilder’s determination and willingness to fight the best suggest that the heavyweight narrative is far from finished.