Deontay "The Bronze Bomber" Wilder shows no sign of regret over the latest missed chance to square off against Anthony Joshua, a fight that never materialized. The former WBC heavyweight champion, who hails from the United States, has been floated by Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn as a potential opponent for a summer bout. Hearn, who runs Matchroom Boxing, hinted that a clash with Wilder could be penciled in before Joshua eventually faces Tyson Fury in a 2026 showdown.
However, the July fight that Joshua has on his calendar will see him travel to Riyadh to face the relatively unknown Albanian contender Kristian Prenga, not Wilder. Wilder’s manager, Shelly Finkel, was quick to stress that his client is not mired in disappointment over the lost opportunity.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Finkel said, “You can’t be upset about something that never happened.” He added that Eddie Hearn never reached out to his camp and that Joshua never showed genuine intent to book Wilder for a fight. The sentiment was echoed by the Matchroom team, which declined to comment when approached by the press. The back‑and‑forth between the two heavyweights is not new.
In 2019, a unification bout seemed within reach after Joshua’s loss to Andy Ruiz – a defeat he later avenged. At that time, the prospect of a Wilder‑Joshua clash generated considerable buzz, with many fans envisioning a showdown for the undisputed heavyweight crown. Yet the fight never came to fruition, and the two fighters have since drifted on parallel paths. Fast forward to 2023, the two names appeared on the same event card when Joshua dispatched Otto Wallin in a dominant performance.
That night, Wilder suffered an unexpected defeat to Joseph Parker, a result that temporarily dimmed his aura as a knockout artist. Nonetheless, Wilder rebounded later in the year, traveling to the United Kingdom and securing a hard‑fought victory over Derek Chisora. The win reignited speculation about his next big move, with whispers of a potential clash with the unified champion Oleksandr Usyk circulating in the boxing community.
When asked about the possibility of facing Joshua, Wilder has remained optimistic but realistic. He told Sky Sports, “It can happen and it will happen, unless I decide to retire – and if that’s the case, I’ll be fine with it.
I have to fulfill the goals I set for myself at the start of my career.” He emphasized his desire to unify the heavyweight division, a milestone that has eluded him despite his impressive knockout record. “Unifying the division would be an overwhelming feeling for me. It’s something I’ve never had the chance to experience,” Wilder explained.
Wilder also commented on the often‑confusing chatter that surrounds heavyweight 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,” he said. Nonetheless, he acknowledged Joshua’s standing in the sport, noting, “He’s one of the best of this era. I do need him to accomplish what I need to accomplish.” Looking ahead, Wilder’s camp is exploring multiple avenues.
The American heavyweight is keen on staying active, seeking bouts that will keep him in the spotlight and move him closer to a title unification bout. While a fight with Usyk remains speculative, the Ukrainian champion’s own schedule – which includes defending his titles against top contenders – could align with Wilder’s ambitions if negotiations prove fruitful. In the meantime, the boxing calendar for 2026 is shaping up with several marquee events. Fans can expect high‑profile matchups, including the long‑awaited Joshua‑Fury clash, which is likely to dominate headlines.
Meanwhile, Wilder continues to train, focusing on sharpening his power punching and improving his stamina, attributes that have defined his career but also attracted criticism for a perceived lack of technical refinement. The broader narrative underscores a recurring theme in heavyweight boxing: the difficulty of aligning the interests, timelines, and promotional demands of multiple elite fighters.
While promoters like Eddie Hearn and managers such as Shelly Finkel navigate a complex web of contracts, broadcast rights, and venue logistics, the fighters themselves often find themselves caught in the crossfire of speculation and rumor. For Wilder, the key takeaway is clear: he will not dwell on missed opportunities. Instead, he will press forward, aiming to secure a fight that not only satisfies his personal objectives but also delivers the kind of blockbuster spectacle that heavyweight fans crave.
Whether that opponent ends up being Anthony Joshua, Oleksandr Usyk, or another top‑ranked contender, Wilder’s focus remains on stepping into the ring, delivering his trademark power, and chasing the unification dream that has defined his professional journey.