Deontay Wilder not contacted for Anthony Joshua fight: ‘Can’t be disappointed about something that never was’

Deontay Wilder was never officially contacted about a potential fight with Anthony Joshua despite being publicly linked as a possible opponent by Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn, who had floated the idea ahead of a planned Joshua vs. Tyson Fury clash in 2026. Wilder's manager Shelly Finkel stated there is no disappointment as negotiations never actually took place. Joshua will instead fight unheralded Albanian Kristian Prenga on July 25.