Anthony Joshua’s July Fight Plans Exclude Deontay Wilder Amid Fury Showdown Focus

Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is set to return to the ring in July, but a long-anticipated clash with Deontay Wilder is not part of the current plan despite recent discussions.

Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed that while Joshua has received an offer for a summer bout, the proposed deal does not include Wilder as a potential opponent. Instead, the focus is on positioning Joshua for a blockbuster fight against Tyson Fury later in the year.

According to Hearn, the structure of the deal, reportedly backed by Saudi organisers, prioritises a November showdown with Fury, making a high-risk fight against Wilder less appealing at this stage.

“The deal… to fight in July and then fight Tyson Fury in November is not with Deontay Wilder in mind,” Hearn said, noting that stakeholders are keen to avoid jeopardising the bigger event.

Wilder had emerged as a possible opponent following his recent victory over Derek Chisora, even publicly calling out Joshua. However, the risk associated with facing the American knockout specialist appears to have ruled out the bout for now.

Joshua, who has not fought since his knockout win in December, is expected to take a tune-up fight in July as he builds towards what could be one of the most lucrative heavyweight clashes in recent years.

While Hearn insisted that a future fight with Wilder remains possible, current plans indicate that Joshua’s immediate path is firmly aligned with securing the long-awaited showdown with Fury.

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