Former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder is targeting a blockbuster clash with Anthony Joshua for next year as he plots a comeback to heavyweight boxing relevance, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The 38-year-old American, who has lost four of his last five fights, is set to return to the ring on June 27 at the Charles Koch Arena in Wichita against 29-fight veteran Tyrrell Herndon (24-5) as he begins his journey back to championship contention.
“Not this year for sure, but in the near future,” Wilder told 78SPORTSTV regarding a potential Joshua fight.
“Maybe sometime next year. But all of that is close. I’ve just got to get myself back together first and foremost, and I have got to prove to myself that I am back together like I feel.”
The much-anticipated Joshua-Wilder showdown has been years in the making, with both fighters’ careers taking unexpected turns. While Wilder looks to rebuild, Joshua appears to be entering the final phase of his storied career.
Promoter Eddie Hearn recently confirmed to Sky Sports that Joshua is entering his final year in professional boxing, with plans for between one and three more fights before retirement.
“This is the final year. Let’s not beat around the bush,” Hearn stated. “He’s going to have somewhere between – it could always be your last fight – but one and three fights, that’s the reality of the situation.”
Joshua is currently recovering from a minor injury sustained after his fifth-round knockout loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley in September. Hearn disclosed that the British-Nigerian is not yet ready to return to full-intensity training.
Meanwhile, Wilder is planning an active schedule for his comeback, with three potential fights lined up this year.
“We have got a lot of fights lined up for this year. We are looking to have maybe three this year. The next one is going to be a big one outside of the country. And then we are looking to do one more at the end of the year,” the American heavyweight revealed.
