Deontay Wilder shows no signs of regret about the lost opportunity to square off against Anthony Joshua, a fight that never materialised. The former WBC heavyweight champion from the United States had been floated as a potential opponent for Joshua earlier this summer, a notion that originated 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 in 2026, suggesting that the two American heavyweights might finally meet in the ring. However, the July date that many fans were hoping would host a Wilder‑Joshua encounter will instead feature a relatively low‑profile clash between Joshua and Albanian contender Kristian Prenga in Riyadh.
The change of opponent underscores the fact that the much‑talked‑about showdown with Wilder remains off the table for the time being. Wilder’s manager, Shelly Finkel, was quick to stress that his client is not upset about the missed fight. In an interview with Sky Sports, Finkel explained, "You can’t be disappointed about something that never was.
Eddie never reached out to us, and Joshua clearly had no intention of stepping into the ring with Deontay Wilder at this point." The manager’s remarks paint a picture of a boxer who is comfortable with the current state of affairs and focused on the future rather than dwelling on what might have been. Matchroom Boxing declined to comment when Sky Sports sought a response, leaving the speculation about the potential fight largely in the realm of rumor. Meanwhile, Joshua and Wilder have a history of near‑misses when it comes to negotiating a bout.
Back in 2019, a fight between the two was poised to determine an undisputed heavyweight champion. That prospect evaporated when Joshua suffered an upset loss to Andy Ruiz, a defeat he later avenged in a rematch.
The two later shared a card in 2023 when Joshua dispatched Otto Wallin, but that night Wilder experienced an unexpected defeat at the hands of Joseph Parker, further complicating any immediate plans for a showdown. Wilder’s recent activity in the United Kingdom, where he secured a victory over Derek Chisora, demonstrates his continued ambition to stay active and seek high‑profile opponents. In addition to Joshua, the American heavyweight has been linked to a potential clash with unified champion Oleksandr Usyk. Wilder has publicly expressed confidence that such a fight could happen, saying, "It can happen and it will happen, unless I retire, and if I do, that’s fine with me.
I have to fulfill the goals I set at the start of my career." He elaborated on his motivations, noting that unifying the heavyweight division would be an "overwhelming feeling"—a milestone he has never had the chance to achieve. Wilder’s comments reveal a fighter who remains driven by the pursuit of legacy and the desire to test himself against the best in the sport. He also acknowledged the confusing nature of boxing negotiations, admitting, "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." Despite the noise, Wilder remains respectful of Joshua’s abilities, calling him "one of the best in the era" and emphasizing that a fight between them would help both men achieve their respective objectives. As the heavyweight landscape continues to evolve, Wilder’s focus appears to be on staying ready, taking on worthy opponents, and keeping the door open for a future clash with Joshua or any other top‑ranked contender.
In summary, Deontay Wilder is not mourning a fight that never came to fruition. His camp’s stance, articulated by manager Shelly Finkel, makes it clear that the boxer is content with the current trajectory and is instead concentrating on upcoming opportunities, whether that means another high‑stakes bout in the UK, a potential meeting with Oleksandr Usyk, or eventually a long‑awaited showdown with Anthony Joshua.
The heavyweight division remains fluid, and Wilder’s willingness to adapt and pursue new challenges suggests that fans can still anticipate exciting matchups in the months and years ahead.