Anthony Joshua vs. Joseph Parker: A Historic Victory
In a significant moment that resonated throughout the boxing community, Anthony Joshua secured a unanimous decision victory against Joseph Parker in 2018, adding the WBO title to his impressive collection that included the IBF, WBA (Super), and IBO belts. Standing confidently in the center of the ring, Joshua declared his ambition to unify the heavyweight titles, setting his sights squarely on Deontay Wilder and the illustrious goal of becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion.
“One hundred percent,” he stated emphatically. “Do I want to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world? Yes. Let’s talk business.”
The Anticipation for a Monumental Clash
The context was ripe for a monumental clash; both fighters were undefeated champions and had recently achieved significant victories. Joshua had just gone through a full twelve rounds for the first time, while Wilder had showcased his power against Luis Ortiz at the Barclays Center. The intense anticipation was palpable, with Wilder’s management, including Shelly Finkel and Jay Deas, publicly expressing their readiness for negotiations. Deas boldly proclaimed,
“Send contracts immediately. UK, we are on the way!”
Finkel called the impending showdown “boxing’s final two,” likening it to a championship match in any other sport — there should be no detours for a fight of such magnitude. Yet, instead of taking steps towards the bout, boxing witnessed a frustrating series of delays, excuses, and strategic posturing. Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, cited various issues involving timelines and rematch clauses, while Wilder’s camp voiced frustrations about unresponsive negotiations and unfavorable offers, including a dismissed $50 million proposal.
The Missed Opportunity
Both sides claimed they were eager for the fight, yet as the months dragged on, the prospective bout faded into the shadows of boxing’s lost legacies. Rather than an unification bout, boxing fans were offered matches such as Joshua versus Alexander Povetkin and Wilder against Dominic Breazeale. The landscape evolved further as Tyson Fury entered the fray, while both Joshua and Wilder experienced their own setbacks — Joshua suffered a shocking defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr., and Wilder’s trilogy with Fury became the central narrative of the heavyweight division, fundamentally overshadowing both fighters.
Over the years, the boxing community was left with unanswered questions surrounding the matchup that many believed would define the era. As both Joshua and Wilder continued their respective careers, what was once a highly anticipated sweat of titans turned into a symbol of the sport’s politics and missed opportunities. Despite a concerted push from World Boxing News for transparent updates, the bout that promised to be a cornerstone of heavyweight history never materialized. In hindsight, it elicited comparisons to the disappointing collapse of the Lewis vs. Bowe bout nearly three decades earlier, where Bowe famously chose to discard the WBC title instead of facing Lewis. Much like that previous disappointment, Joshua-Wilder’s absence is an indelible mark on their legacies.
Recent Developments
Recently, both fighters were unexpectedly included in the December 2023 Riyadh Season’s Day of Reckoning card, though in a twist of fate, they were scheduled to compete separately, with the idea that they might meet in the ring in March 2024 provided they both emerged victorious. Joshua decisively defeated Otto Wallin, but Wilder, appearing lackluster, lost his bout to Joseph Parker, effectively extinguishing any hopes for their encounter.
Joshua later showcased his prowess by dispatching Francis Ngannou swiftly, while Wilder’s future remains uncertain. Ultimately, the dream fight between Joshua and Wilder became yet another missed chance in boxing history, overshadowed not only by their individual choices and circumstances but also by the complexities that surround the sport.
About the Author
Phil Jay has spent over 15 years in the boxing journalism sphere, serving as Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010. He is known for his in-depth interviews with top fighters and for covering major boxing events around the world. To stay updated with boxing news, subscribe to the WBN Newsletter, providing crucial insights and expert analysis directly to your inbox.
