Boxing fans are convinced Anthony Joshua will now "avoid" Deontay Wilder after his devastating KO win over Robert Helenius.
Wilder was considering retirement after his loss to Tyson Fury last year but instead elected to return against heavyweight contender Robert Helenius. The 'Bronze Bomber' made a huge statement on his comeback producing a thundering trademark right hand to close the show in the opening round by sending his opponent to the canvas out cold.
There are a number of fights expected to be explored before Wilder does indeed retire including a meeting with Joshua which has been off the table since negotiations stalled for an undisputed fight back in 2018. However after his latest quickfire performance, fans have now suggested Joshua could find an alternative mega-fight later in his career.
One fan wrote: "Joshua wasn’t taking that one regardless if anything this just solidified it’s NEVER happening, since he’s not fighting Fury again, I’d bet his next fight is Ruiz or knowing boxing it will be Usyk." Another agreed: "Agreed, AJ goes nowhere near him. Wilder probably KO’s the full division apart from Fury."
Another added: "AJ definitely won’t fancy this dance. I’m not sure many would. PS, yellow card for Helenius for diving." One fan then joked: "Eddie and AJ will be looking at getting Frank Bruno outta retirement or Larry Holmes after that fight." One fan believes the collapse of this fight could signal another, writing: "AJ wasn't going to fight him anyways.
"Hearn is clearly setting up a trilogy between him and Whyte. Meanwhile, Usyk will prob wait for Fury. Wilder has a great fight in Ruiz ahead of him. And the #1 fight I want to see for him is Joe Joyce. Greatest power vs greatest chin." One fan disagreed: "These people hating on AJ. It was Wilder who turned down the fight with AJ. AJ has avoided no one his whole career and has fought top 10 fighters in his last 10 fights. Fury is fighting Chisora next, let that sink in for a minute."
Who would win if Deontay Wilder fought Anthony Joshua? Let us know in the comments section below
Another also defended Joshua: "AJ literally tried to fight Wilder when he was at his peak and Wilder ducked. Doubt AJ has ever been afraid to fight anyone." One fan concluded that is why the American did not call Joshua's name, finishing: "Why do you think he hasn't said Joshua's name when they asked who's next? He knew Joshua really ain't going to fight him."
Wilder did in fact miss out Joshua's name on his call-out list instead naming Oleksandr Usyk and Andy Ruiz Jr. "I've been hearing rumours about [Oleksandr] Usyk but I see he's not here," Wilder said after his impressive display upon his ring return. Most of the times guys say they want me and they come to shows of mine, they see knockouts like that they turn the corner. I'm ready for whoever, whether it's Andy Ruiz or Usyk, bring it on."
