Deontay Wilder on Joshua vs. Paul Match-Up
Deontay Wilder has shared his thoughts on the contentious match-up between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul, stating that he doesn’t take offense at the bout, which has divided boxing enthusiasts. Scheduled for December 19 in Miami, the event will feature Joshua, a former heavyweight champion, competing against Paul, a well-known influencer turned boxer, in an eight-round fight utilizing standard 10oz gloves, with the possibility of knockouts.
Joshua’s Return to the Ring
This upcoming match marks Joshua’s return to the ring following his tough loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, where he suffered multiple knockdowns. Many boxing fans had anticipated a clash between Joshua and fellow Brit Tyson Fury, but instead, Joshua was matched with Paul, the YouTube star.
Potential Showdown Between Joshua and Wilder
A highly anticipated bout in the boxing world is the potential showdown between Joshua and Wilder, which nearly happened earlier this year. Both fighters were on the same event card in Saudi Arabia, where Joshua scored a victory against Otto Wallin, while Wilder faced defeat at the hands of Joseph Parker. Had Wilder triumphed over Parker, the stage might have been set for a Joshua fight in 2024.
Wilder’s Perspective on the Fight
When asked about Joshua’s decision to step into the ring with Paul, Wilder expressed understanding for the attraction the fight holds for fans, which they are willing to pay to see. In an interview with The Action Network, Wilder remarked,
“It is what it is. We’re in an era where influencers can captivate audiences, and they effectively market themselves, generating substantial interest in these fights.”
While he acknowledges that many boxing purists may be frustrated with these trends, he also highlighted the entertainment value such matches can provide to a wider audience. Wilder noted that his perspective is from someone who has worked hard to reach the professional level, saying,
“I totally understand why traditional fighters are upset about these developments.”
Concerns About Joshua’s Legacy
Importantly, this event will be accessible via Netflix Live, boasting a whopping 300 million subscribers, as opposed to the usual pay-per-view format typical for major boxing events. Wilder raised concerns about Joshua’s legacy, suggesting that if Joshua frames the fight as a stepping stone toward a title and suffers a loss, it could negatively impact how he is remembered. He stated,
“People will recall whatever dramatic moment happens last, and if it doesn’t go well for him, it could taint his legacy. However, he does have the chance to recover and achieve new milestones following this match.”
Wilder’s Future in Boxing
In Wilder’s view, these types of bouts mainly serve as entertaining spectacles and money-making opportunities in today’s boxing landscape. He reiterates confidence that a future encounter between himself and Joshua remains very possible, despite current narratives suggesting otherwise. Wilder sees the anticipation for his own fight with Joshua as undeterred by Joshua’s match with Paul.
Wilder is looking to rebound from his recent losses, having last fought in June, where he successfully stopped Tyrrell Anthony Herndon.
