Wilder has no regrets over AJ fight 'that never was'

Former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder has broken his silence on the highly anticipated fight with Anthony Joshua that never materialized, revealing he harbors no regrets about the blockbuster matchup that fell through.

The American power-puncher, speaking exclusively to tournament.com, addressed the infamous collapse of negotiations that would have paired two of boxing's biggest names in what many considered the dream heavyweight showdown. The bout was discussed extensively in 2022 before talks broke down amid disagreements over purse splits and venue selection.

"I have no regrets about any of it," Wilder stated from his training camp in Alabama. "When it's meant to be, it's meant to be. If it's not, then it wasn't for you. That fight was supposed to happen, but sometimes the universe has other plans. I moved forward, I kept working, and here I am still standing."

The negotiations collapsed at a time when both fighters were at the peak of their marketability. Joshua held the WBA, WBO, IBF, and IBO heavyweight titles after defeating Andy Ruiz Jr. in December 2019, while Wilder had just come off consecutive devastating knockout victories against Dominic Breazeale and Tyson Fury.

Wilder has since gone 3-1 in his last four fights, including his brutal third-round knockout of Zhang Jile in February. He remains ranked among the top contenders in the division and continues to call for major fights.

"The door was always open for me," Wilder continued. "I never closed any doors. If the fight happens tomorrow, I'll be ready. If it never happens, I'll still have had an incredible career. People know what I bring to the table. My left hand has changed boxing forever."

Joshua, who recently suffered a second career defeat to Daniel Dubois in September, remains in the heavyweight mix. Promoter Eddie Hearn has indicated the British star is targeting redemption fights in 2026, though a Wilder showdown has not been publicly discussed in recent months.

"Everyone wants to see the biggest fights," Wilder added. "I've proven time and time again I'm one of the top dogs in this division. When the right opportunity comes, I'll be there. But I won't lose sleep over what didn't happen."