While the sport of boxing is now making fights happen (hello Crawford-Spence) that fans want to see, it only seems fitting that supersized former heavyweight titlists Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua should finally square off in the ring. Each man has most recently pulverized gutsy contender Robert Helenius. What’s more, the division’s other top names, Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, are currently occupied. Besides, Fury has beaten Wilder soundly on several occasions while Usyk has done the same to Joshua. That’s not to say neither Joshua nor Wilder can’t one day come back and conquer his former conqueror. Pacquiao-Marguez IV proved that it’s never too late to make your point in boxing. First, however, it would be quite interesting if Joshua and Wilder would square off against one another.
A Display of Power
For starters, these guys can hit. Wilder might well be the strongest puncher in the illustrious history of the sport – and that’s really saying something. As for Joshua, one need only watch last weekend’s fight with Helenius, or his hard-earned eventual destruction of Wladimir Klitschko back in 2017, to get some idea of what he’s capable of. What’s more, both Wilder and Joshua have something to prove – mainly, that they can still hang at the top of the big man’s division. Lastly, a Wilder-Joshua fight would bring in a boatload of money and eyeballs, especially in Joshua’s native Britain, where the man is a legitimate celebrity. It would be a must-see event, no doubt about it. Stylistically speaking, Joshua-Wilder is one of the best matches than can be made right now.
Will it happen, though? A few months ago, the answer could well have been “probably not,” as big matches simply weren’t being made – nor had they been made for some time. Things appear to have changed in 2023, however. Terence Crawford and Errol Spence finally threw down in what turned out to be a fantastic performance for Crawford. Tank Davis and Ryan Garcia also did battle in a fight that brought in a ton of attention – at least until Davis dusted Garcia in the seventh. Even the impending battle between super middleweight king Canelo Alvarez and junior middleweight king Jermell Charlo is worthy of much attention. Does any of this mean Joshua and Wilder will be throwing down in the near future? Absolutely not. Yet Joshua claimed this weekend that he wants the Wilder fight. He should get his wish.
An Epic Showdown
A clash between Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua is long overdue. Fans have been eagerly waiting for this matchup for years, and the anticipation keeps growing. Both fighters have proven their worth in the ring, displaying their immense power and skill. Wilder’s knockout prowess is legendary, with his thunderous punches capable of ending a fight in an instant. Joshua, on the other hand, has consistently shown his ability to dominate opponents, using a combination of strength, technique, and calculated aggression.
The Quest for Redemption
Beyond their remarkable fighting abilities, there is an underlying narrative of redemption for both Wilder and Joshua. They have suffered defeats that have questioned their abilities and raised doubts about their place in the heavyweight division. Wilder’s trilogy with Tyson Fury ended in disappointment, with Fury emerging victorious in their last two encounters. Joshua, too, faced defeat at the hands of Oleksandr Usyk, a masterful boxer who exposed chinks in Joshua’s armor.
A showdown between Wilder and Joshua would not only settle the score between the two fighters but also determine their legacies in the sport. Both men have accomplished remarkable feats, capturing world titles and captivating audiences with their explosive performances. However, a victory in this highly anticipated bout would solidify their place among the all-time great heavyweights. The stakes are high, and the potential rewards are enormous.
A Global Sensation
The significance of a Wilder-Joshua fight extends far beyond the confines of the boxing ring. Joshua’s status as a national hero in Britain adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to the matchup. The event would undoubtedly draw an immense crowd and generate substantial revenue, captivating fans from all over the world. The clash between two heavyweight giants is a spectacle that transcends borders and unites people in their shared love for the sweet science.
A matchup between Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua is long overdue. With their immense punching power, the desire for redemption, and the potential for a legacy-defining victory, this fight has all the ingredients for a monumental event in the world of boxing. As the sport continues to deliver highly sought-after matchups, it is only a matter of time before these two titans of the ring finally step into the squared circle together. Fans can only hope that the stars align, negotiations take place, and we witness a battle for the ages.
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