Deontay "The Bronze Bomber" Wilder has made it clear that he harbors no bitterness about missing yet another chance to face Anthony Joshua in the ring. The former WBC heavyweight champion, who hails from the United States, has been floated as a potential opponent for the British star on several occasions, most recently this summer, when Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn hinted that a Wilder‑Joshua clash could be pencilled in before the Englishman’s anticipated bout with Tyson Fury in 2026.
Hearn, who runs the Matchroom Boxing stable, suggested that a fight with Wilder might be on the cards as a stepping‑stone to a later showdown with Fury. However, the next fight on Joshua’s schedule is set for July, and it will be against a relatively unknown Albanian contender, Kristian Prenga, in Riyadh – not Wilder.
This development left many fans wondering whether Wilder’s camp would be disappointed by the missed opportunity. Shelly Finkel, Wilder’s longtime manager, was quick to dispel any notion of frustration. Speaking to Sky Sports, Finkel said, “You can’t be disappointed about something that never happened.” He added that Eddie Hearn never reached out to the Wilder team and that Joshua himself had no genuine intention of arranging a bout with the American heavyweight at this time. The manager’s comments underscored a pragmatic attitude: if a fight never materialized, there’s no reason to lament it.
Finkel summed it up succinctly, noting, “Same old story, just a new date.” Matchroom Boxing declined to comment when Sky Sports sought a response, leaving the speculation largely in the realm of rumor. Wilder’s relationship with Joshua has a history that stretches back several years. In 2019, when both men were perched near the top of the heavyweight ladder, a fight between them seemed on the brink of becoming a reality.
That year, the bout was being discussed as a potential undisputed heavyweight championship clash. However, the plan was derailed when Joshua suffered a stunning upset at the hands of Andy Ruiz, a loss he later avenged in a rematch. The missed encounter lingered in the background, feeding the narrative that a Wilder‑Joshua fight could be one of the sport’s marquee events.
Fast forward to 2023, the two heavyweights shared a fight card when Joshua faced Otto Wallin in Saudi Arabia. On that night, Wilder was also on the undercard, having just suffered an unexpected defeat to Joseph Parker. The loss to Parker was a setback for Wilder, but it also kept the conversation about a possible future clash with Joshua alive, as both fighters continued to seek high‑profile opponents. Earlier this month, Wilder traveled to the United Kingdom and secured a victory over Derek Chisora, a seasoned British contender.
The win was a reminder that Wilder remains a dangerous force in the division and is still looking for the next big challenge. In addition to a potential showdown with Joshua, Wilder’s camp has also floated the idea of a fight with the unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. Such a matchup would pit Wilder’s raw power against Usyk’s technical brilliance, offering a tantalizing stylistic contrast.
When asked about his future prospects, Wilder has been optimistic. He told Sky Sports, “It can happen and it will happen, unless I retire – and if I do, that’s fine with me.
I have to accomplish what I set out to do at the beginning of my career.” He emphasized that his ultimate goal remains unification of the heavyweight titles, a milestone he has never achieved. Wilder also addressed the mixed signals that often accompany 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,” he said.
He concluded by acknowledging Joshua’s status, noting, “He’s one of the best in this era. I do need him to accomplish what I need to accomplish.” In summary, Deontay Wilder’s stance is one of acceptance and forward‑looking ambition. He recognizes that talks of a fight with Anthony Joshua have come and gone, but he refuses to let missed opportunities dampen his resolve.
Instead, he continues to chase the unification dream, eyeing any opponent who can bring him closer to that ultimate prize. Whether the next big name on his list is Joshua, Usyk, or another heavyweight contender, Wilder’s focus remains on stepping back into the ring, delivering his trademark knockout power, and cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s most formidable champions.