Deontay Wilder intentionally avoided an offer to fight Anthony Joshua in order to concentrate on his upcoming fight against Robert Helenius.
Wilder, 36, returns for the first time since his consecutive knockout losses to Tyson Fury when he fights former sparring partner Helenius on October 15. 'The Bronze Bomber' considered retiring from boxing after losing twice to Fury, but insisted his "job is not done" in the heavyweight division as he looks to become a two-time champion.
Before Joshua lost to Oleksandr Usyk in their rematch last month, Matchroom Boxing boss Eddie Hearn said he reached out to Wilder's manager Shelly Finkel about a potential fight between the two heavy hitters. Hearn was confused as Finkel never replied to his offer, but the manager has now cleared the air regarding the situation.
