Deontay Wilder wasted no time reigniting talk of a blockbuster heavyweight clash with Anthony Joshua after beating Derek Chisora at the The O2 Arena on Sunday night.
Joshua watched from ringside as Wilder outlasted veteran Chisora in a bruising bout that marked the American’s return to winning ways and silenced fresh retirement talk.
Moments after leaving the ring, Wilder spotted Joshua nearby. The pair exchanged a respectful bump before Wilder made his intentions clear. He said, “Let’s do it.”
Joshua held his gaze and offered no reply, creating a tense moment that quickly set social media buzzing. Later, the heavyweights crossed paths again in a corridor but ignored each other in another awkward exchange.
The long-awaited bout has come close several times but never materialised. Naija News reports that Joshua’s comeback has been uncertain following the deaths of close friends Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele in a car accident in Nigeria last December.
The British-Nigerian star has now returned to full training, linking up with the team of former unified champion Oleksandr Usyk as he prepares for his first fight since the crash.
Joshua’s last outing ended with a knockout win over Jake Paul, though injuries from the accident pushed the British boxer’s 2026 plans back. He is expected to return in July, with a potential mega-fight against Tyson Fury also under consideration.
Wilder insists he wants Joshua next. Speaking to talkSPORT, he said, “Put up or shut up, baby.
“I’m ready and back now. A healed Wilder is a dangerous Wilder. I’ll come anywhere in the world to fight.”