Joshua vs. Wilder? The Heavyweight Drama Isn’t Over Yet
There’s buzz in the boxing world again—and it’s circling back to a fight fans have been dreaming about for years: Anthony Joshua vs. Deontay Wilder.
It’s the matchup that slipped through the cracks back when both men were at the peak of their powers in 2018 and 2019. Back then, promotional clashes and different career routes got in the way. But now, with the heavyweight scene shifting once more, the idea is back on the table—and this time, it might stick.
Frank Smith, the CEO at Matchroom, has confirmed that if Wilder gets through his next bout in one piece, the long-awaited face-off could finally happen.
“If he handles his comeback well, Wilder’s still very much in the picture,” Smith said in a recent chat with Boxing News. “People want this fight—it’s still one of those matchups that captures attention.”
Wilder, now 39, is set to take on Tyrrell Herndon on June 27 in Kansas. It’s a crucial fight for the former WBC champ, who’s had a rough stretch lately, with losses piling up against Tyson Fury, Joseph Parker, and most recently, Zhilei Zhang. Even so, he’s still a draw—and a big win could change everything.
Meanwhile, Joshua is on the mend after elbow surgery. He’s eyeing a return sometime between September and November. Behind the scenes, conversations are heating up with event organizers in Saudi Arabia, who are reportedly keen on setting up a two-fight deal.
Other potential opponents—like Jared Anderson and Dillian Whyte—have come up. But Whyte seems headed in a different direction, possibly fighting rising talent Moses Itauma in August.
Smith doesn’t see Whyte as a front-runner for Joshua’s next bout. Instead, he’s backing Wilder all the way.
“For me, the Wilder fight makes the most sense,” he told BoxingScene. “It’s rich with history. And right now, AJ’s in a strong position—still one of the biggest names in the game. But this next choice could define his career.”
For now, Joshua’s team is keeping the focus on recovery. No shortcuts, no rush—just patience and preparation.
“First things first: get back to full strength,” Smith added. “Then we go big.”
