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Five fights for Deontay Wilder as the ‘Bronze Bomber’ picks up first win

By Al Faqiih June 28, 2025

Five fights for Deontay Wilder as the ‘Bronze Bomber’ picks up first win since 2022

Deontay Wilder returned to boxing in familiar fashion when he was able to earn a TKO win over Tyrrell Herndon on Friday night.

The ‘Bronze Bomber’ stopped his 24-5 opponent in the seventh round of their fight, after scoring a knockdown in the second round.

The win was the heavyweight’s first since 2022, when Wilder beat Robert Helenius.

Wilder now has a professional record of 44-4-1 after the win, with plenty of options for future opponents. With this in mind, here is our list of some potential fights for the former heavyweight champion.

Anthony Joshua

A fight between Wilder and Anthony Joshua is one that fans have been asking for over the last number of years. Although the opportunity has passed for the two heavyweights to compete in their prime, the interest is still there.

Both men are at an interesting point in their career, as Wilder is 2-3 in his last five, and Joshua is coming off a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois.

Joshua is expected to fight again this year, however, it is unclear if that fight will be against Wilder. However, even if ‘AJ’ faces an alternative opponent, the pair could meet in a huge 2026 headliner.

Derek Chisora

Another notable British heavyweight that Wilder could take on is Derek Chisora.

Chisora, who is one of Oleksandr Usyk’s toughest fights, would be a durable test for Wilder, even in the twilight of his career. By facing ‘Del Boy’, fans could really see how much Wilder has left in the tank.

If Wilder was able to stop the 49-fight veteran, it would show he is still a heavyweight contender. However, a win for Chisora in what would potentially be his final fight could be a great way to bow out.

Moses Itauma

One way you could handle Wilder’s current situation is to put him in with the future knockout star of the heavyweight division, Moses Itauma.

Scheduled to take on Dillian Whyte in August, a win for Itauma would put him on the brink of a world title opportunity. If he is not given a crack at a belt following a win over Whyte, Wilder is a fantastic name he could add to his resume in a passing of the torch moment.

Wilder and Itauma have a 97% and 83% knockout rate, respectively, meaning a heavyweight showdown between the veteran and the prospect would be fireworks.

Martin Bakole

Another heavyweight who is in a less-favorable position in their career is Martin Bakole.

A short-notice appearance in Saudi Arabia in February saw Bakole get knocked out by Joseph Parker. Then, Bakole followed up the loss with a draw against Efe Ajagba.

Since his momentum was halted against Parker, fans do not perceive Bakole as the heavyweight threat as they once did. However, being the victor of a shootout with Wilder could change that opinion.

A win for Wilder over Bakole would also be an impressive feat, as the Congolese fighter is still considered a top name in the division.

Curtis Harper

When Wilder took on Herndon, he was taking a step back in competition from the likes of Parker and Zhilei Zhang. For his next fight, there’s no reason why he can’t take another fight of this standard.

Wilder was rumoured to face Curtis Harper (19-11) earlier this year, in a fight the former champion was expected to win. However, getting in the ring with Harper could give Wilder more confidence going into a potential bout with Joshua in 2026.

Even if Harper is not the opponent of choice, it is possible that Wilder goes down the route of a lesser-known name as opposed to heavyweight contender. Such a move could be a step in the right direction for the 39-year-old to further fuel his form.

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Deontay Wilder: Two More Tune-Ups And A ‘Lot More Work To Do’, Then Anthony Joshua Fight

By Al Faqiih June 28, 2025

Deontay Wilder got back into the win column Friday with a seventh-round stoppage win in a tune-up fight against Tyrrell Herndon.

Following the victory, just the second in six fights since 2020 for the embattled former heavyweight champion, Wilder (44-4-1, 43 KOs) emphasized he’s not diverging from the plan he came in with, outlined by two more tuneups in 2025 before a big one in 2026.

“It felt really good and it was a blessing to get back in there and get the rust off,” Wilder told The Ring from his dressing room after the fight at Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, Kansas.

“I’m satisfied with the performance, but I’m also not satisfied because there is more to come. I wanted him to throw a little bit more but I appreciate Herndon for dedicating himself. I wanted to work on some countering with the overhand right hand. I don’t think he was expecting me to throw the hooks that I was throwing. I wanted to display more than just a right hand.”

Wilder rebounded from back-to-back losses to Joseph Parker in 2023 and Zhilei Zhang last June to drop the outmatched Herndon in the second and sixth before ending matters during the seventh in a main event fight staged by Global Combat Collective and BLK Prime.

“A lot of people don’t understand how severe my shoulder injury was, or what I have been through, and they’ll never understand,” said Wilder. “They don’t want to hear any excuses from the fighters. I did the best that I could do to cover it up in my last several fights.

“My shoulder was at like 20 percent. But I’m a fighter and a warrior. I had to do my thing. Now that it’s all recovered and healed, I’m able to hold my hand up. I wanted to make sure I got some rounds in, and not be predictable with the right hand.”

Wilder turns 40 in September and still has aspirations to become a champion now that he’s also overcome mental health issues. He said he’s planning for another fight in September, with South Korea being discussed as a possible location, and a December bout at a location to be determined.

“We’re going with the plan that we have,” Wilder said. “I definitely need a couple of more tuneups. There is a lot more work to be done so I can really feel satisfied and feel that I have truly returned.”

Wilder wants the meaningful matchup in 2026 to be against former two-time unified divisional champion Anthony Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs), a fight more than seven years in the making.

“It could be against Joshua,” said Wilder. “If the fight was set up, we’ll be ready to go down those roads. A lot of money is on the line, but sometimes it’s not about the money because we have to make sure things are right. We’re in the hurt business.

“When we’re ready, everyone will know. … We’re just going to take it one fight, and one step at a time. But I have returned, just stay patient with me. I’m back, baby. I’m headed right back to the gym once I get home.”

Wilder’s manager Shelly Finkel said that he’s already received calls within hours of the win inquiring on the former WBC titleholder’s availability.

“It’s not an issue of opponents for us,” said Finkel. “If you look around the landscape, there are not many big heavyweight fights that you want to make. There are a few. Deontay can figure into any of them … We don’t want to fight for the sake of a payday. We want to fight, win [titles], and defend it once he wins like he did before. I hope that the things that have derailed him have made him stronger, and now, he’s going to show it.”

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Deontay Wilder vs Tyrrell Herndon LIVE RESULTS: Bronze Bomber’s big

By Al Faqiih June 28, 2025

Deontay Wilder vs Tyrrell Herndon LIVE RESULTS: Bronze Bomber’s big comeback ahead of potential Anthony Joshua fight

DEONTAY Wilder makes his boxing return TONIGHT as he goes head-to-head with Tyrrell Herndon!

The Bronze Bomber has been out of action since his knockout defeat to Zhilei Zhang last June.

Big Bang’s brutal KO handed Wilder his fourth loss in his last five fights, with his only win coming against journeyman Robert Helenius almost three years ago.

The former WBC heavyweight champion begins his bid to rebuild his reputation against Herndon, who is out to secure the biggest win of his career.

A win for Wilder could see him move back into the fold for a big-name fight, with many boxing fans still keen to see the long-overdue Anthony Joshua bout.

Card start time: 2am BST / 9pm ET
Main event time: 4am BST / 11pm ET (approx)
Live stream: BLK Prime PPV

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The fight everyone wants to see

With such similar attributes and physique, many want to see Deontay Wilder face Anthony Joshua next.

While rumours still circulate of the return of Tyson Fury for that huge ‘Battle of Britain’ clash, it is a fight that the Wilder camp could lock down before anything is agreed.

The location would be key, no doubt both boxers would want to stage it in their own country, in front of their own fans.

Confidence key for Bronze Bomber

The two defeats suffered by Wilder before his taking time out of the ring really seemed to affect the mentality of the boxer.

Always such a confident person in his abilities, it almost seemed as though he had begun to doubt the words coming out of his mouth.

Getting back into the ring and getting a win under his belt will add some positivity to his camp that he still has plenty to offer in this division.
Reaching for the stars

With the difference in frames between the two fighters, it was always going to be a tough fight for Tyrrell Herndon.

He tried to utilise tactics of going low and getting under the Deontay Wilder punch which seemed to work for large parts of the fight.

However, the big problem was his inability to get inside to let his hands go and get telling shots off.

As a result, Wilder rarely seemed to be in any trouble and was able to grind him down with body shots to tire him out.

Plotting path will be key

After two successive defeats many questioned whether it was the end of the road for Wilder.

While this victory will not propel his career massively, it was more a necesssity as he looks to rebuild.

Choosing that next fight could quite well tell a different story.

Whether Anthony Joshua would accept a fight from him after such a recent return to the ring remains to be seen, it may be more a case of Deontay Wilder needing more fights before then.

Francis Ngannou could be a more realistic opponent, with talk of a fight in Africa being on the cards.

Bomb squad with different approach

In his prime, Wilder was known for his knockout abilities and those big right hand blows.

The tactics seemed to differ this evening as he tried to box behind his jab and utilise the left hook more.

Wilder still tried to land that big right hand but with Herndon looking to duck under the punches, making it difficult to land a telling blow on him.

The next opponent will be a choice Wilder and his team need to carefully consider, the right one could be a stepping stone, the wrong one could hamper any chance of getting his career back on track.
- Demons laid bare in ring
  
  Deontay Wilder needed time to reset after his two most recent defeats.
  
  The former champion wanted to be an undisputed champion in the division but that was ended by the trilogy against Tyson Fury.
  
  Subsequent defeats by Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang really tarnished the career of the Bronze Bomber.
  
  However, the talk after this fight, 39-year-old Deontay Wilder seemed to have no thoughts of hanging up his gloves at all.
  
  He would love nothing more than to have that big payday fight againnst someone like Anthony Joshua as both boxers look to repair their heavyweight careers.
  
  Victory on return for Wilder
  
  The Bronze Bomber gave his thoughts on his victory against Tyrrell Herndon this evening:
  
  It felt great. Thanks to my opponent, I appreciate the work. I’ve been laid off for a long time, getting myself back together, repairing myself emotionally. It is just nice to be back in the ring. This is a new beginning for me.
  
  Deontay Wilder vs Tyrrell Herndon (Round 7)
  
  As Wilder continued to pick his shots, Herndon seemed to be offering less and less in terms of punches.
  
  The referee warned him that he needs to be active and fighting in the last two rounds but he did not heed the warning.
  
  It may have been stopped a little early but you can see why the official stepped in.
  
  What only seemed a matter of time until the Bronze Bomber landed a big hit that toppled his opponent.
  
  Deontay Wilder vs Tyrrell Herndon (Round 6)
  
  Herndon continues to duck under the Wilder punch.
  
  It makes it difficult for the Bronze Bomber to land a telling shot.
  
  Wilder feels Herndon is thhere for the taking now as he fires off shots with his opponent pressed the ropes and gets a knockdown as his glove touches the canvas.
  
  Just as the bell sounds, Wilder sends him to the canvas again but the bell saves him.
  
  Deontay Wilder vs Tyrrell Herndon (Round 5)
  
  Wilder lands a good short uppercut.
  
  His jabs are scoring but not wearing down Herndon.
  
  There is no doubt Wilder has won every round so far and his opponent seems to be gassing a little towards the end of the round.
  
  Deontay Wilder vs Tyrrell Herndon (Round 4)
  
  Wilder continues to get his jabs and hooks in.
  
  A good check-hook lands but Herndon wears it well.
  
  Herndon does manage to get some shots in as he comes inside and asks some questions of Wilder.
  
  That should give him some confidence that if he does get inside and to fire some shots off, he can cause Wilder some problems.
  
  Deontay Wilder vs Tyrrell Herndon (Round 3)
  
  There is so little offence being offered from Herndon.
  
  Wilder is the bigger man and his long reach is stopping him coming inside.
  
  The Bronze Bomber is landing scoring punches with the jabs and hooks but has not landed a shot to rock his opponent yet.
  
  Even the punch that caused Herndon going to the canvas did not seem to hurt him.
  
  Deontay Wilder vs Tyrrell Herndon (Round 2)
  
  Wilder lands a good left hook that catches his opponent.
  
  He looks to follow up with a right but Herndon dodges it well.
  
  The long jab of Wilder keeps him at bay but towards the end of the round, a shot from the Bronze Bomber sends Herndon to the canvas.
  
  He immediately tells the referee it was a slip but the hook to the chest did send him to the canvas, although his momentum helped massively too.
  
  Deontay Wilder vs Tyrrell Herndon (Round 1)
  
  Wilder looks to work the jab early on.
  
  He is cutting off the ring as Herndon looks to move around.
  
  Herndon looks wary of that right hand of the Bronze Bomber annd is keeping an eye out for it.
  
  That said, he has landed little to nothing in that round.
  
  Wilder seems to be patient in his tactics, we will see how long that lasts.
  
  Deontay Wilder vs Tyrrell Herndon
  
  Wilder comes into this fight stating he has nothing to prove.
  
  Much of the boxing world sees that very differently.
  
  After two disappointing defeats, the former WBC world champion needs to show he is that same boxer who wore that belt.
  
  Deontay Wilder vs Tyrrell Herndon
  
  Wilder comes into this fight stating he has nothing to prove.
  
  Much of the boxing world sees that very differently.
  
  After two disappointing defeats, the former WBC world champion needs to show he is that same boxer who wore that belt.
  
  Deontay Wilder vs Tyrrell Herndon
  
  Now it is time for the fight everyone has been waiting for.
  
  Wilder, having lost his last two fights, has a win at all costs bout this evening.
  
  An upset here would no doubt put a question over the end of his career.
  
  The Bronze Bomber will be wanting to make a statement in this one.
  
  Nico Hernandez vs Robert Ledesma
  
  That was a truly dominant performance from Hernandez.
  
  In front of his hometown crowd, he really put on a show for them.
  
  His combinations and heavy body shots were just too much for Ledesma.
  
  Hernandez almost got the stoppage at the end of the first round but made sure he finished the job at the start of the second round with his opponent given a ten-count.
  
  Nico Hernandez vs Robert Ledesma (Round 2)
  
  Hernandez comes flying out his corner looking to get this one done.
  
  He is throwing so many punches, Ledesma cannot land a reply.
  
  He is sent to the canvas again and this one is stopped.
  
  Dominant performance from Hernandez, he let his hands go from the first second and they were hurting his opponent.
  
  Nico Hernandez vs. Robert Ledesma (Round 1)
  
  This is a return to the ring for the hometown Hernandez.
  
  He is landing some good left hooks early on.
  
  Hernandez is switching styles, changing up to southpaw to try and find a way through Ledesma.
  
  The crowd favourite is landing some big body shots which seem to be hurting Ledesma.
  
  He is forced to take a knee after a barrage of blows but manages to take the count and survive until the end of the round.
  
  Nico Hernandez vs Robert Ledesma
  
  Next up we have a super-flyweight bout.
  
  Hernandez very much the popular boxer with the crowd here.
  
  This could be an interesting fight as we edge closer to the main event.
  
  Gustavo Trujillo vs Lateef Kayode
  
  This fight is halfway through with Trujillo dominating.
  
  In the sixth round, it seems one way traffic.
  
  Kayode is not throwing anything at all, why this isn;t being stopped is crazy.
  
  Bomber getting paid?
  
  While there are no official figures yet confirmed, reports suggest that Deontay Wilder is earning at least $1million for this fight.
  
  Other reports claim it could be as much as $3million, with his deal with BLK Prime a multi-fight partnership, as we earlier reported via his new promoter.
  
  Let’s see how long he takes to earn that money against an opponent many are expecting him to blast away in a couple of rounds.
  
  All change
  
  After his big defeat to Zhang last year, Deontay Wilder has changed up his whole camp.
  
  The boxer has packed on 11lbs in weight since his defeat to Zhang and also has a new trainer – Don House.
  
  Wilder had been with former opponent Malik Scott since 2021, bringing him on board just before his trilogy with Tyson Fury.
  
  Wilder said in a statement: “We’re brothers, and always will be brothers. We talk all the time and there’s nothing bad between us. Sometimes things change and this was one of those times.”
  
  Malik Scott said: “I wanted the best for Deontay. He did things to electrify the sport and sometimes needs to be invigorated.
  
  “He called me and let me know we were doing things different in the corner for this fight. We thanked each other for all we did for each other. He’s in good hands and I know he’s in good hands.”
  
  Scott will be in the corner for Gilberto Ramirez on Jake Paul’s undercard on Saturday night – it is unclear if this was part of the reasoning with the split taking place just a couple of days before Wilder’s big return.

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Deontay Wilder has ‘hope’ for Anthony Joshua showdown but won’t

By Al Faqiih June 27, 2025

Deontay Wilder has ‘hope’ for Anthony Joshua showdown but won’t believe in the fight until one thing happens

Deontay Wilder wants to face Anthony Joshua in a huge heavyweight clash, but he won’t believe the bout until he sees it for himself.

Tyrrell Herndon will battle Deontay Wilder as he makes his comeback fight, although the former world champion already has his eye on a fight with Anthony Joshua.

Joshua has reportedly agreed to face Tyson Fury at Wembley Stadium in one of the biggest fights on British soil in history.

However, Wilder still has hope of taking on the Olympic Gold Medallist once he’s done with Herndon, although he has his doubts about the fight taking place.

Deontay Wilder has hope for the Anthony Joshua fight, but doesn’t believe it until it happens

Wilder has admitted that he has “hope” of facing off with former World Heavyweight champion Joshua, but he won’t believe it until it actually happens.

He spoke with Boxing News and admitted that “there’s always going to be hope” about the heavyweight clash.

However, until he’s stood in the ring and the bell rings, Wilder won’t believe any talk about the potential super fight.

Wilder said: “I’m in. I’m a fighter, he’s a fighter. As long as he’s in the division, I’m in the division, then you know, there’s always going to be hope.

“There’s always going to be a discussion. I would say hope as well, but definitely a lingering conversation around it.

“But at this point, I don’t get excited about hearing it no more like I used to. Because I know the truth. I know the truth behind what’s been covered up.

“They always say the truth will set you free—and I’m free. I’m free from it. I don’t get excited about this talk anymore like a lot of people would or still do now, because they don’t know the real situation behind it.

“I’m not putting no energy into it anymore. Not unless we’re at the press conference, or better yet, in the ring, the bell’s about to ding. That’s when I believe it.”

Deontay Wilder will need to get past Tyrrell Herndon before a potential fight with Anthony Joshua

While there could be huge interest in a Wilder vs. Joshua fight, he’ll need to beat Herndon in his next bout to keep that idea alive.

Wilder has lost four of his last five fights, a far cry from his time as the undefeated world champion.

The knockout artist lost in a shock knockout to Zhilei Zhang, which followed Wilder’s back-to-back defeats against Tyson Fury to derail the American’s career.

A loss to Herndon should put a dent in his hopes of facing Joshua, who will want a much bigger fight than Wilder should his bad form continue.

Wilder is predicted to easily beat Herndon when they face off on June 27.

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Deontay Wilder wants to square off with Anthony Joshua before both retire

By Al Faqiih June 26, 2025

The year was 2018, and Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder were undefeated and ruled the heavyweight division by owning all of the titles and were en route to face off for an undisputed championship fight.

After Wilder fought to a draw in December 2018 against Tyson Fury, the plan was for him to move on to face Joshua. In March 2019, DAZN offered Wilder $100 million for a three-fight package, including two vs. Joshua, but he declined the deal, citing dishonesty.

Joshua moved on to fight Andy Ruiz Jr. and suffered a shocking stoppage loss and hasn’t been able to properly find his footing since, going 6-4 in the last six years. Wilder moved on to face Fury two more times and lost both by knockout, and he’s 1-4 in the last six years.

And now, Wilder, who turns 40 on Oct. 22, and Joshua, who turns 36 seven days prior, are looking to reignite a rivalry that has seen its share of false starts throughout the years.

Wilder (43-4-1, 42 KOs) returns Friday to face Tyrrell Herndon (24-5, 15 KOs) at Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, Kansas. The Global Combat Collective PPV event will be distributed by BLK Prime, Fubo, and PPV.com, among others, for $24.95.

Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs), meanwhile, is recovering from elbow surgery and plans to return later this year for his first fight since getting stopped in five rounds by Daniel Dubois in September. He, too, needs a bounce-back win.

“If that fight against Joshua comes, and everything is right, why not?” Wilder told The Ring. “We’ll deal with the situation when it happens. He’s still in the business, and I am as well. I want all of [them]. I am not going after just one particular person. If it’s a great fight to be made, I am there. I want to make the best fights people want to see.

“But I am not going to be around with picket signs asking for the fight. I am not going to do that. I never chased anyone. If people didn’t want to fight me, it was what it was. … I always wanted the biggest fights possible in my career.”

Wilder and Joshua were supposed to face off last year, but the former wasn’t able to beat Joseph Parker as the co-main event. Joshua gained a stoppage win against Otto Wallin in December 2023 in Saudi Arabia.

The decision defeat was a setback for Wilder, forcing him to seek a meaningful win against Zhilei Zhang. The result was even worse this time, and Wilder was zapped in five rounds last June.

It seems like a lifetime ago that Wilder was wreaking havoc in the division as an underweight knockout artist. Wilder enjoyed a WBC title run beginning in 2015 when he beat Bermane Stiverne and defended the title 10 times before meeting his match in Fury.

After overcoming mental health issues, Wilder wants to make one last run and face contemporaries he never got to clash with, including Oleksandr Usyk.

“I want the biggest fights possible,” said Wilder. “I don’t care about who the individual is. I’m not dwelling on these guys. These guys wouldn’t give me an opportunity to save their lives because they were stuck on not losing. I just wanted to be undisputed, but many people did not have me on their agenda because of how dangerous I am. That’s OK. That’s why I am still here pursuing myself and going on to do even greater things. This time it will be even more powerful.”

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Deontay Wilder to have two comeback fights before eying double header with Anthony Joshua in

By Al Faqiih June 26, 2025

Deontay Wilder to have two comeback fights before eying double header with Anthony Joshua in London and Las Vegas

DEONTAY WILDER is set for two confidence-building comeback fights – before eyeing a double header with Anthony Joshua.

The former WBC champion returns on Saturday in Kansas against little-known Tyrrell Herndon looking to bounce back after two losses.

Nelson Lopez Jr – a former matchmaker for the likes of Oscar de la Hoya and PBC – is promoting Wilder’s low-profile return.

A three-fight deal is in place between the pair – with Wilder’s second comeback fight already pencilled in – before they target a showdown with AJ.

Lopez told SunSport: “Yeah listen, we got a tentative deal and we’re just going one by one.

“We have the next one set up, this one set up, nothing solid for the third one – you know how boxing is, there’s no path of how you succeed.

“We have to get over this, so anything can happen. We got to get over the next one. Anything can happen.

“And then, you know maybe Eddie will sit at the table and see what we can do something with AJ.”

Wilder was stunned on points against Joseph Parker in December 2024 before he was knocked out in June 2024 by Zhilei Zhang.

Both times he blew the chance to fight 35-year-old Joshua – who was knocked out by Daniel Dubois in September and has since had elbow surgery.

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Promoter Nelson has opened the door to a two-fight with with AJ – in Las Vegas and London – with the possibility of a trilogy.

He said: “Maybe we go ahead and lock in a trilogy. You know what I mean, why not?

“For both fighters maybe we lock in something we can do guaranteed two fights and if one wins and one wins, we do the third.

“I would do it that way. I don’t think the fans would be mad at that.

“I think either way it would have be amazing fight for both of them and whoever wins the first two then you’re crowned the man.”

Wilder, 39, went through a period of radio silence after his fifth-round stoppage loss to Zhang in Riyadh.

He cited personal issues for his absence from the spotlight – and also had secret arm surgery with plans to return to the big time.

Lopez said: “Yeah, he’s definitely up for these fights.

“Our in Kansas slated “Legacy Reloaded” so the first two fights are just leading towards that.”

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Anthony Joshua Delivers Honest Verdict On Whether Deontay Wilder Should Retire

By Al Faqiih June 26, 2025

Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder are both nearing the end of their careers.

For many years, both of these heavyweights dominated the division. Joshua unifyed the WBO, WBA and IBF belts with impressive wins over the likes of Parker, Wladimir Klitschko, Carlos Takam, Alexander Povetkin and Andy Ruiz in a rematch, having lost the first time around in his US debut.

It was Oleksandr Usyk who then dethroned the Brit in 2021 and beat him again in their rematch a year later. Though ‘AJ’ rebuilt, he was stopped by Daniel Dubois in September 2024 while attempting to become a three-time world champion.

Meanwhile, Wilder was stateside with the WBC title and knocking out every man he faced until he came unstuck twice to Tyson Fury. He went on to lose two more fights against Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang, which has led him to take a full year away from the sport and for many in the game to call him to retire.

Speaking to BoxNation, Joshua was recently asked if he thought ‘The Bronze Bomber’ should hang up his gloves for good.

It was Oleksandr Usyk who then dethroned the Brit in 2021 and beat him again in their rematch a year later. Though ‘AJ’ rebuilt, he was stopped by Daniel Dubois in September 2024 while attempting to become a three-time world champion.

Meanwhile, Wilder was stateside with the WBC title and knocking out every man he faced until he came unstuck twice to Tyson Fury. He went on to lose two more fights against Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang, which has led him to take a full year away from the sport and for many in the game to call him to retire.

Speaking to BoxNation, Joshua was recently asked if he thought ‘The Bronze Bomber’ should hang up his gloves for good.

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Deontay Wilder still hopes for Anthony Joshua showdown

By Al Faqiih June 24, 2025

Former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder remains resolute in his desire for a potential showdown with Anthony Joshua, despite the long-anticipated clash consistently failing to materialise.

The pair have been on a stop-start collision course for nearly seven years, with signatures always seemingly just out of reach.

Missed opportunities and recent setbacks

Towards the end of 2023, the heavyweight titans appeared agonisingly close to finally meeting. However, while Anthony Joshua comfortably defeated Otto Wallin, Wilder suffered a wide points defeat to Joseph Parker, effectively scuppering their planned spectacle fight for the following year.

Since then, both fighters have faced further challenges. Joshua secured a brutal second-round knockout over Francis Ngannou but then suffered an equally devastating defeat to Daniel Dubois last September.

Wilder, on the other hand, was knocked out inside five rounds by Zhilei Zhang over a year ago, leading many to question his elite-level credentials.

Wilder’s comeback and dwindling excitement

Despite recent setbacks, the 39-year-old Wilder is set to make a comeback this Friday against Tyrrell Herndon, a relatively unremarkable opponent, at the Charles Koch Arena in Kansas. As for Joshua, several heavyweights, including Wilder, have been mentioned as potential opponents for his likely return later this year.

However, “The Bronze Bomber” is tempering his expectations, expressing a dwindling interest in what is still, undeniably, a highly marketable fight.

“As long as we’re in the same division, there’s always going to be hope [for the Joshua fight]; there’s always going to be a discussion,” Wilder told Boxing News. “But at this point, I don’t get excited in the same way that I used to. This is a situation where it will happen when it happens.”

Wilder concluded with a clear statement of his current perspective: “They’ve already stated that they won’t care if they never fight me, and I believe that. I’m not putting any energy into that unless we’re in the ring. Otherwise, it’s all talk.”

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Anthony Joshua in race against time for final legacy fights – Deontay Wilder next

By Al Faqiih June 20, 2025

Anthony Joshua in race against time for final legacy fights – Deontay Wilder next before Tyson Fury showdown?

Promoter Eddie Hearn revealed Anthony Joshua is expected to retire in 2026; that leaves the former world heavyweight champion with only three or four fights left in his career; but Hearn hopes they could finally be against long-time rivals Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury

Anthony Joshua will retire next year, says promoter Eddie Hearn. It leaves AJ in a race against time to secure the final fights he needs for his legacy.

Joshua has been a major star in British boxing but so far has not managed to secure fights with his key rivals, Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury.

Over the years, the heavyweight trio had opportunities to fight each other, potentially with the undisputed world championship on the line. That would no longer be on offer and Joshua, Wilder and Fury have now all lost their most recent fights.

Fury retired after losing for a second time to unified champion Oleksandr Usyk, while Joshua needs to rebuild after a crushing knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois last year.

Joshua has had a successful operation on his elbow and is looking for a comeback fight before the end of 2025.

“Deontay Wilder fights next week. I know he’s a name that’s been mentioned,” Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn told Sky Sports.

“There is a potential that AJ could fight Deontay Wilder in October, November, December, and then fight Tyson Fury, and then he’s kind of got the full set in terms of every elite heavyweight of this generation, he’s faced in the ring.

“AJ will return during that period this year and obviously he must win, and that performance will tell us a lot about the future of Anthony Joshua.”

He believes Fury could still come out of retirement to box Joshua. “If we don’t make the Tyson Fury fight, it would be a big shame,” Hearn said.

“So, for me, the Tyson Fury fight has to happen. I think there’s no excuse now why that shouldn’t happen.

“I think people are tired of hearing about it. Let’s just get them in the ring. To see those two in the opposite corner would be an iconic moment for not just British boxing, but British sport.

“First things first. Our comeback begins October, November, December, and then hopefully Mr Fury is ready to rumble in 2026.”

However, Hearn does not expect Joshua to box beyond next year.

“2026 could be his last year in the sport,” the promoter said. “What else do you expect? I mean, that’s three or four fights away. He can’t go on forever but he’s motivated, physically feeling good now to return to camp and ready for one little last roll to this incredible career. Hopefully that involves a fight with Mr Fury.”

Is world title dream over?

Dubois brutally ended Joshua’s bid to become a three-time world heavyweight champion last September.

He fights Usyk in an undisputed heavyweight title fight in July. As Joshua has lost to both men previously he would not be favoured to beat either Usyk or Dubois in a potential 2026 bout.

But once an undisputed champion is crowned next month, heavyweight world titles could become vacant – it is always hard for one man to meet the mandatory commitments of all four sanctioning bodies.

“Anything’s possible in the division,” Hearn said. “There’s a great crop of young heavyweights coming through.

“With AJ’s profile, he can land whatever fight he wants.”

But he added: “The fight that he wants is Tyson Fury. We know right now that’s not available so we’ll do our thing.

“We know that older generation of heavyweights, which is Usyk and Fury and AJ, are in their final run. But don’t rule them out just yet.”

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Ricky Hatton Didn’t Hesitate When Asked If Deontay Wilder Would Beat Anthony Joshua

By Al Faqiih June 17, 2025

British boxing legend Ricky Hatton has had his say on what might happen in a long-touted heavyweight showdown between Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder.

Joshua and Wilder spent many concurrent years as heavyweight champions but never managed to get into the ring together.

‘AJ’ unified the division and held the WBO, WBA and IBF belts after wins over the likes of Alexander Povetkin, Joseph Parker, Charles Martin and Wladimir Klitschko, while Wilder knocked out every man he faced across his first 40 contests, including Luis Ortiz, Dominic Breazeale and Bermane Stiverne.

However, he came up against Tyson Fury in 2018 and drew, then fought the Brit twice more in 2020 and 2021 and was stopped both times. Since then, he has failed to win his belts back and taken further losses against Parker and Zhilei Zhang.

Joshua also lost in 2020 and 2021, both times to eventual undisputed ruler Oleksandr Usyk on points, and he has since been stopped by Daniel Dubois while challenging for the IBF title back in September.

In a round of winner stays on with Mail Sport Boxing, Hatton was asked who would come out on top between ‘AJ’ and ‘The Bronze Bomber’ were they to meet.

“Anthony Joshua.”

Both Joshua and Wilder have vowed to fight on, with Wilder returning this month against Tyrell Herndon and Joshua set to come back later in the year after recovering from minor elbow surgery.

Should both men win, they could well finally meet in the ring in 2026, though many fans are also clamouring for ‘AJ’ to face Fury, should he reverse his retirement decision.

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