Joshua vs. Wilder was set to go down in March 2024, but Wilder losing a one sided decision at Day of Reckoning has those plans in jeopardy.
Anthony Joshua refuses to give up on a Deontay Wilder fight, even though “The Bronze Bomber” was defeated on Saturday night in Saudi Arabia.
Both Joshua and Wilder competed on the big Day of Reckoning card from the Kingdom, with Joshua winning via corner stoppage after the fifth round in a vintage performance (check it out here). Wilder didn’t fare as well: he looked listless in a surprising 118-111, 118-110, 120-108 decision loss (highlights here).
This event was supposed to set up a Joshua vs. Wilder fight, but that’s all in question now. For his part, Joshua still wants the Wilder fight.
“I’m not too sure what can happen from here but I’m sure from a fan perspective they’ll be more annoyed,” Joshua said at the post-fight press conference. “For me I always understand how this game is. You never know. This is elite level boxing. Wilder just came up short but he’ll live to fight another day.”
“Me and him can still get it on, we can still get it cracking,” he added. “I believe I’m a massive threat. I still think Wilder is a threat, and I still think it does amazing numbers if you get it on. But I’ll leave that down to my management, trainers, promoters, to make the decision. I’m down to fight anyone, whenever, and whoever.”
It seems silly to throw away a blockbuster fight like Joshua vs. Wilder just because Wilder didn’t show up in his last performance. It may be slightly less perfect after last night, but it’s still a must-see bout. Boxing as a sport has a habit of over-complicating everything. Saudi Arabia made a mistake not just making Joshua vs. Wilder at Day of Reckoning. The fight was ready to go before, and it’s still ready now. Let’s go!