Former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder is gearing up for a triumphant return to the boxing world, with a highly anticipated clash against Anthony Joshua in his sights for next year. The 38-year-old American, who has suffered four losses in his last five fights, is set to re-establish his dominance in the heavyweight division, beginning with his upcoming bout against 29-fight veteran Tyrrell Herndon (24-5) on June 27 at the Charles Koch Arena in Wichita.
Wilder’s Road to Redemption
In a recent interview with 78SPORTSTV, Wilder addressed speculation about a future showdown with Joshua, emphasizing that while it won’t happen this year, it remains a strong possibility for 2026.
“Not this year for sure, but in the near future,” Wilder stated. “Maybe sometime next year. But all of that is close. I’ve just got to get myself back together first and foremost, and I have got to prove to myself that I am back together like I feel.”
The long-anticipated Joshua-Wilder fight has been years in the making, with both fighters experiencing unexpected career shifts. Wilder, known for his devastating knockout power, is on a mission to reclaim his status in the sport, while Joshua, a two-time unified world champion, is approaching the twilight of his illustrious career.
Anthony Joshua’s Final Year in Boxing?
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, recently confirmed that the British-Nigerian boxing icon is entering his final year in professional boxing. Speaking to Sky Sports, Hearn outlined Joshua’s future plans, suggesting that the 34-year-old could fight up to three more times before hanging up his gloves.
“This is the final year. Let’s not beat around the bush,” Hearn said. “He’s going to have somewhere between – it could always be your last fight – but one and three fights, that’s the reality of the situation.”
Joshua is currently recovering from a minor injury sustained after his fifth-round knockout loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley in September. Hearn noted that Joshua is not yet ready to resume full-intensity training, raising questions about his comeback timeline.
Wilder’s Comeback Strategy
Unlike Joshua, Wilder is embracing a packed schedule in 2025, with plans to fight three times before the year’s end. His return against Herndon marks the beginning of this ambitious journey.
“We have got a lot of fights lined up for this year. We are looking to have maybe three this year,” Wilder shared. “The next one is going to be a big one outside of the country. And then we are looking to do one more at the end of the year.”
With both Joshua and Wilder charting their respective paths, the boxing world remains eager for the long-awaited clash between these two heavyweight powerhouses. If all goes according to plan, 2026 could witness one of the biggest fights in modern boxing history.
