Despite recent reports linking him to a high-profile undercard appearance against cruiserweight standout Jai Opetaia, former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder remains deeply skeptical that the much-anticipated blockbuster between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua will actually come to fruition.
The proposed heavyweight collision has captured the attention of the entire sporting world, bolstered by the fact that both British heavyweights officially attended a high-profile launch press conference back in September. Furthermore, the massive financial incentives on the table—reportedly featuring multi-million-pound rewards for both fighters come fight night—would suggest that all parties have every reason to step into the ring. However, having spent years navigating the complex and often volatile landscape of elite heavyweight boxing negotiations, Wilder insists that outward appearances are deceiving.
Drawing from his own extensive history of dealing directly with their respective promotional teams and management structures behind the scenes, Wilder firmly believes that Anthony Joshua, in particular, will ultimately walk away or find a way to prevent their scheduled showdown from taking place on December 11 at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.
While Wilder harbors a distinct perspective on Joshua’s side of the equation, he appears far less concerned or invested in the movements of Tyson Fury. This casual indifference is hardly surprising, given the profound history shared between Wilder and the undefeated British star. The two heavyweights famously completed an iconic, career-defining trilogy of fights that delivered an extraordinary amount of athletic drama, historical significance, and physical toll.
Their unforgettable rivalry began with an explosive first encounter in December 2018, which is widely regarded by boxing historians and fans alike as one of the most memorable heavyweight title bouts of the modern era. That initial meeting ended in a controversial split-draw, a verdict that left many debating the scorecards, but the true defining moment of the night occurred in the 12th and final round. In dramatic fashion, Wilder landed a devastating combination that appeared to knock Tyson Fury out cold on the canvas. In what boxing purists still describe as a near-miraculous recovery, "The Gypsy King" somehow managed to regain consciousness and beat the referee’s count, dragging himself back to his feet to finish the round and secure a share of the spoils.
Roughly 14 months later, the pair squared off once more in a highly anticipated rematch in Las Vegas. This time, there was no room for controversy or debate on the scorecards. Exhibiting a brilliantly executed tactical masterclass, Tyson Fury completely dismantled the hard-hitting American, applying relentless pressure before ultimately stopping Deontay Wilder in the seventh round to capture the WBC world heavyweight title.
The trilogy reached its dramatic conclusion in late 2023. Though Wilder managed to trouble the champion at various points during the bout, Fury ultimately proved his superiority once again, wearing down the American before securing a hard-fought and decisive knockout victory in the 11th round.
Despite having suffered two punishing defeats at the hands of the 38-year-old Briton, Wilder recently opened up during an interview with IBA Boxing to offer his honest assessment of the landscape. Surprisingly, despite their bitter history inside and outside the ring, Wilder revealed that he is actually backing Anthony Joshua to emerge victorious should their scheduled clash actually materialize in the Welsh capital next month.
Detailing his skepticism regarding the promotion alongside his tactical breakdown of the fight, Wilder did not mince words when discussing the inner workings of the heavyweight division.
“I don’t think it’s going to happen,” Wilder told IBA Boxing. “I see that they’ve got the promotion, and stuff, but even on Joshua’s side, [I find it] real fishy because I’ve dealt with them for a long time, and I know how they move. I’d be surprised if it happens, but if it does happen, I have Joshua winning on points [or by] a late-round knockout. Eleventh-round knockout.”
Wilder’s bold prediction adds another layer of intrigue to an already polarizing matchup. While a significant portion of the boxing community and numerous pundits are also tentatively backing "AJ" to cause what some might perceive as an upset against Fury, a counter-narrative remains dominant across the wider sporting landscape. The majority of casual observers and analysts continue to heavily favor Tyson Fury heading into the bout, primarily basing their predictions on the contrasting nature of their respective recent outings inside the squared circle. As December approaches, the boxing world waits anxiously to see whether Wilder’s cynical predictions prove accurate or if the two British titans will finally settle their differences under the bright lights of Cardiff.
