Just a few years ago, Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua were unbeaten heavyweight champions. However, both pugilists had suffered several defeats in recent years, and their long-awaited grudge bout did not take place. Joshua has now addressed Wilder’s latest loss and whether it is the final nail in their potential clash.

Joshua is coming off a second-round knockout victory over former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in their highly anticipated boxing showdown in March 2024. ‘AJ’ is on a four-fight winning streak. On the contrary, America’s Wilder last competed on June 1, 2024, losing to China’s Zhilei Zhang by fifth-round TKO. Wilder is currently on a two-fight losing streak.

Prior to the Zhang bout, the assumption was that Wilder could face Joshua in September 2024. Saudi boxing promoter Turki Alalshikh suggested Wilder face American heavyweight prodigy Jared Anderson in August.

Nonetheless, Zhang knocked him out, prompting suspicion that ‘The Bronze Bomber’ may retire from boxing.

Furthermore, many believe Daniel Dubois, who defeated Filip Hrgovic on the same June 1 fight card, might face Joshua in September. Furthermore, Zhang has put his name in the hat as a potential opponent for Joshua’s much-anticipated homecoming.

Per talkSPORT, Anthony Joshua spoke to DAZN and suggested that he wasn’t particularly concerned about Deontay Wilder’s latest defeat and their possible fight falling apart. When asked whether he was disappointed to see him lose in that fashion, ‘AJ’ responded by stating:

“Nah, it is what it is.”

Moreover, the former unified heavyweight champion indicated he’s eager to return to the squared circle, irrespective of which opponent he fights. The 34-year-old acknowledged fellow UK boxer Dubois’ performance against Hrgovic and indicated that he’d be open to fighting ‘Triple D’ or Zhang next.

As for potentially facing longtime rival Deontay Wilder, Anthony Joshua implied that he still hasn’t closed the door on that fight. Joshua expressed his willingness to box Wilder and said:

“Come again if you want, but he’s got a family and there’s a life outside of boxing for him. If he wants to go again, give it another crack. But sooner or later, Father Time will catch up with you, with everyone.”

Deontay Wilder’s loss and its effect on the boxing landscape

Deontay Wilder’s vicious TKO defeat against Zhilei Zhang has noticeably precipitated a significant effect in the realm of heavyweight boxing. With his rumored fights against Anthony Joshua and Jared Anderson off the table for the foreseeable future, ‘The Bronze Bomber’s’ future in the sport is currently shrouded in uncertainty.

Meanwhile, the undefeated Anderson appears to be targeting Zhilei Zhang as his next opponent. The up-and-coming knockout artist dismissed Jarrell Miller’s invitation and has shifted his attention to Zhang. Joshua may face the winner of the Oleksandr Usyk-Tyson Fury rematch on December 21, 2024, assuming ‘AJ’ wins in September.