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Anthony Joshua remains optimistic about the possibility of a showdown with Deontay Wilder, despite setbacks. Scheduled to fight MMA star Francis Ngannou on March 8 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Joshua's plans for a long-awaited bout with Wilder were derailed when Wilder lost to Joseph Parker in December 2023.
The Joshua-Wilder saga began in 2016, with Joshua's rise to the IBF heavyweight title. Joshua's victory over Wladimir Klitschko in 2017 set the stage for a potential clash with Wilder, but negotiations faltered. Tyson Fury's comeback in 2018 further complicated matters, leading to Wilder-Fury and Fury's ascension as the top heavyweight.
Usyk's wins over Joshua and the demand for Fury-Usyk reignited interest in Joshua-Wilder. However, when Joshua was expected to defeat Otto Wallin on the same night Wilder faced Parker, Joshua succeeded while Wilder suffered an unexpected loss, derailing their plans once again.
Joshua, 34, acknowledges that while Wilder's future is uncertain, the American remains a valuable heavyweight. He believes a significant victory for Wilder could revive their potential bout.
"It's a fight that fans want to see," Joshua told Sky Sports. "I'm not saying it's completely written off."
Before any potential bout with Wilder, Joshua must first overcome Ngannou, who impressed against Tyson Fury in October. Despite being only Ngannou's second professional boxing match at 37, Joshua is cautious.
"You should always overestimate people if you want my opinion," he said. "Never underestimate anyone, always overestimate people, and that way you'll never be surprised."
Looking ahead, Joshua hinted at a return to the UK after the Ngannou fight. "Maybe after March 8, we'll probably make a return to the UK," he said. "We'll have a good window where we can get some fights in the UK possibly."
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