In the aftermath of the intense bout between Deontay Wilder and Derek Chisora, the boxing world is once again abuzz with the potential for a long-anticipated clash between Anthony Joshua and Wilder. Despite both veteran fighters confronting calls to conclude their careers, their interwoven professional paths and recent triumphs hint at a future confrontation that could captivate fans.
The O2 Arena recently witnessed Derek Chisora's final ring walk, marked by the iconic sounds of "Hotel California." His aspirations for a storybook retirement were dashed as Deontay Wilder secured a narrow victory. This outcome meant Chisora, at 42, would reluctantly step away from the sport, while Wilder, 40, presses on. The question lingers: would their paths have diverged if the fight's result had been different?
Chisora had previously indicated his intention to retire regardless of the outcome, a decision many view as prudent. However, his unpredictable nature left some doubt. Wilder, conversely, appeared more determined than ever, despite acknowledged declines in his power and a less favorable record. It's plausible that even a defeat might not have swayed the former heavyweight champion from continuing his career.
Wilder wasted no time in capitalizing on his victory, however slim, to challenge Anthony Joshua, who was making his first public appearance in the UK since a tragic car accident in Nigeria. This incident, which claimed the lives of two close friends, led to renewed suggestions that Joshua, 36, should also consider retirement. Yet, his promoter has confirmed an impending return to the ring, with a summer comeback planned after his decisive victory over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.
The proposed fight between Joshua and Wilder has been a topic of discussion for nearly a decade, coming closest to fruition in 2023. They were slated to face each other in two contracted bouts, but Wilder's unexpected loss to Joseph Parker derailed those plans. Since then, their fortunes have continued to ebb and flow, with both experiencing significant wins and unexpected defeats. However, with each fighter having secured another victory since their last setbacks, the prospect of a showdown feels viable once more.
The feasibility of this matchup remains debatable. Joshua appears to be on a trajectory towards a highly anticipated fight with Tyson Fury, a more coveted and elusive contest than one against Wilder. Even if a bout with Wilder could be arranged, its timing and relevance are questionable. While Joshua would likely be favored, his recent competitive record, primarily consisting of a win against an influencer, raises questions about his current form and mindset, especially given his recent training with former opponent Oleksandr Usyk.
Wilder's performance against Chisora, though criticized by some, showed a fighter who was less hesitant and more resilient than in previous outings. His post-fight comments, however, suggested a degree of restraint, noting his concern for Chisora's well-being during the fight. This dynamic contrasts with the aggressive approach he would undoubtedly take against Joshua. While Joshua has other options, Wilder's choices seem limited to champions or top-tier names, which are scarce. A fight against the loser of the Wardley vs. Dubois match could be an appealing alternative. Ultimately, a clash with Joshua remains the most intriguing and commercially viable option for Wilder, keeping the long-awaited super-fight alive in boxing discussions.