Deontay Wilder is targeting a major return to boxing in 2026 no matter who he faces, but one thing is sure: it will be a super fight. One option he considered was a crossover fight with Francis Ngannou. Oleksandr Usyk is also another high-profile name Wilder’s camp is targeting for next year.
In this jeopardy, however, the long-awaited showdown against Anthony Joshua tops his wishlist. At first, making the schedule work seemed extremely impossible. But later fans argued to make the fight happen, and now their face-off looks like a surreal bout.
After damaging his reputation with back-to-back defeats to Zhilei Zhang and Joseph Parker, the former WBC heavyweight champion bounced back with a skid-snapping win over Tyrrell Herndon. But the stain of those defeats still clings to his shirt.
So, at 39, the Alabama native believes he has one more lucrative run left with 2026 potentially serving as his final chapter in professional boxing. His plan is pretty straightforward.
While Tyson Fury’s biggest puncher is considering this running year as just his tune-up, next year he is targeting a blockbuster clash that can be a mega fight or super fight, but it will happen.
The former “Bronze Bomber” has been calling for this fight since 2018, but promotional conflicts and timing issues have stalled negotiations every time. But in June, Wilder clearly stated after his victory over Herndon, “It could be against Joshua. If the fight was set up, we’ll be ready to go down those roads.”
Spoke to Deontay Wilder manager Shelly Finkel. With Wilder winning return Fri night, they now have offer to fight this fall in South Korea. If the money is real the plan is to take that fight and then look for a big fight, preferably Joshua, for the next one in 2026. #boxing
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) June 28, 2025
Wilder’s path back to relevance includes at least one more fight in 2025 before the proposed Joshua clash. His manager has confirmed plans for another bout before year’s end, likely against moderate opposition to maintain activity and sharpness.
Fans Urge Anthony Joshua to Fight Deontay Wilder
Joshua was about to square off against Jake Paul, but when the fight was put on back burner, fans stepped in. Fan polls consistently show overwhelming support, viewing Joshua vs Wilder as important for both fighters’ legacies.
Next
— DeFi-G (@DeFi_G_) August 21, 2025
Recently, Ngannou called out Wilder, stating, “It’s time to finally settle the debate.” Later, Wilder’s manager, Shelly Finkel, said, “Deontay would be open to that fight next year.”
But, fans didn’t let the light dim for Joshua’s fight. Promoter Eddie Hearn commented on Joshua’s future, saying, “2026 could be his last year in the sport.” So, fans see more urgency in this heavyweight bout than any crossover fight with Ngannou.
Forums and social media consistently rank Joshua vs. Wilder among the most wanted fights in boxing for next year. It remains to be seen how Joshua responds to the fans’ reaction.
