The boxing world is abuzz with speculation surrounding Anthony Joshua’s next opponent following Tyson Fury’s apparent retirement, which has seemingly dashed hopes of a long-awaited Battle of Britain. Fury’s second consecutive defeat to Oleksandr Usyk had paved the way for a potential clash with Joshua, a fight that held immense appeal for British boxing fans. However, Fury’s subsequent announcement of his retirement has thrown those plans into disarray, leaving Joshua’s future in limbo.
In the wake of Fury’s retirement, Saudi boxing promoter Turki Alalshikh has proposed a captivating alternative: a showdown between Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder. Recognizing the immense public interest in a clash between these two heavyweight titans, Alalshikh has suggested that a Joshua-Wilder bout could fill the void left by the aborted Fury-Joshua fight. He emphasized the market appeal of such a matchup, particularly in the British market, where both fighters have considerable followings. This proposition comes at a crucial juncture for both fighters, with Joshua seeking to rebound from his losses to Usyk and Wilder aiming to revitalize his career after recent setbacks.
The history between Joshua and Wilder adds another layer of intrigue to this potential matchup. The two were on the verge of fighting in 2018 when they held all the major heavyweight titles. However, negotiations fell apart when Wilder opted to face Fury instead, resulting in a controversial draw. Subsequent attempts to revive the Joshua-Wilder fight, including a proposed two-fight series worth £100 million in December 2023, were also unsuccessful, primarily due to Wilder’s defeat to Joseph Parker, which seemingly diminished his marketability.
Deontay Wilder’s career currently hangs in the balance, with a crucial fight against Curtis Harper scheduled for April. The outcome of this fight will significantly impact his future prospects, and a victory could potentially pave the way for a long-awaited showdown with Joshua. Wilder’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has acknowledged the persistent public interest in a Joshua-Wilder fight, despite Wilder’s recent setbacks. He has indicated that if Wilder emerges victorious against Harper, a fight against Joshua could be a viable option.
Eddie Hearn, while acknowledging the potential of a Joshua-Wilder clash, maintains a degree of skepticism regarding Fury’s retirement. He believes that the allure of a lucrative showdown with Joshua will ultimately prove too tempting for Fury to resist. Hearn’s comments suggest that he anticipates Fury’s return to the ring and the eventual realization of the highly anticipated Battle of Britain. While acknowledging alternative options for Joshua, including a potential rematch with Dillian Whyte, Hearn emphasizes his belief that the Fury-Joshua fight will ultimately take place.
The boxing landscape is poised for a period of uncertainty as the various parties involved navigate the complexities of negotiations and weigh their options. While a Joshua-Wilder fight presents an exciting alternative, the possibility of a Fury-Joshua showdown continues to loom large. The coming months will undoubtedly reveal the direction of these heavyweight contenders’ careers and determine the shape of the boxing world in the near future. The fans remain eager to witness the next chapter in this saga, anticipating a blockbuster matchup that will reshape the heavyweight division.
