Deontay Wilder shows no signs of regret about missing a potential showdown with Anthony Joshua, a bout that never materialized. The former WBC heavyweight champion, who hails from the United States, has been mentioned repeatedly as a possible opponent for Joshua in the summer schedule, largely due to speculation from Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing. Hearn hinted that a Wilder‑Joshua clash could be arranged before Joshua eventually faces Tyson Fury in a later part of 2026.
However, those plans never came to fruition, and Wilder’s camp has made it clear that the disappointment is unfounded. According to Shelly Finkel, the manager representing Wilder, there is no lingering frustration about the missed opportunity. In an interview with Sky Sports, Finkel emphasized that you cannot be disappointed over something that never existed. He explained that Eddie Hearn never directly approached Wilder’s team, and it appears that Joshua had no real intention of stepping into the ring with Deontay at that time.
"Same old story, just a new date," Finkel added, underscoring the cyclical nature of heavyweight matchmaking where talks often surface only to fade away. Meanwhile, Joshua’s upcoming fight in July will see him travel to Riyadh to face a relatively unknown Albanian contender, Kristian Prenga, rather than the high‑profile Wilder.
This decision reflects Joshua’s current focus on staying active and maintaining his ranking while the heavyweight division continues to shift around the dominant figures of Fury, Usyk, and the rising prospects. Historically, Wilder and Joshua have come close to sealing a deal on several occasions. Back in 2019, a unification bout seemed within reach, especially after Joshua’s loss to Andy Ruiz, which he later avenged.
At that point, a Wilder‑Joshua fight was seen as a logical step toward determining an undisputed champion. Yet, the fight never materialized, and the heavyweight landscape took a different direction. The two fighters shared a card in 2023 when Joshua defeated Otto Wallin, while Wilder suffered an unexpected defeat to Joseph Parker on the same night. That loss, coupled with the logistical challenges of arranging a high‑profile clash, kept the fight from happening.
More recently, Wilder travelled to the United Kingdom and secured a victory over Derek Chisora, demonstrating his continued relevance in the division and his willingness to seek big‑name opponents. Wilder’s future prospects remain open‑ended. He has been linked to a potential showdown with the unified champion Oleksandr Usyk, a fight that would offer Wilder a chance to finally claim the unification he has chased throughout his career.
In a prior interview with Sky Sports, Wilder expressed optimism, saying that a fight with Usyk could happen unless he chooses to retire, which he would accept if it aligns with his personal goals. He stressed that his primary objective remains achieving what he set out to do at the start of his professional journey: to unify the heavyweight division and experience the overwhelming satisfaction of being the sole champion. Wilder also commented on the often‑confusing nature of boxing negotiations, noting that rumors swirl constantly.
He mentioned hearing that Joshua wants to fight him, only for those reports to disappear, leaving fighters uncertain about the truth. "He’s one of the best of this era. I need him to accomplish what I need to accomplish," Wilder said, highlighting his respect for Joshua’s abilities and his desire to face top‑tier competition. The heavyweight division in 2026 continues to be fluid, with major fights scheduled throughout the year.
While the exact dates and match‑ups are still being finalized, fans can expect a busy calendar featuring title defenses, unification attempts, and the emergence of new challengers. Platforms such as NOW and the Toe2Toe podcast provide fans with streaming options and in‑depth analysis, ensuring that the sport remains accessible and engaging. In summary, Deontay Wilder remains unfazed by the missed opportunity to fight Anthony Joshua. He acknowledges that you cannot be upset over a fight that never existed, and he continues to pursue his ambition of unifying the heavyweight titles, whether that means stepping into the ring with Joshua, Usyk, or another top contender.
The heavyweight scene remains vibrant, and Wilder’s next move will be watched closely by fans and pundits alike, as he strives to fulfill the goals that have driven his career from the very beginning.