Deontay Wilder hopeful of Anthony Joshua showdown despite Joseph Parker defeat - ‘The fight still can go on’

Deontay Wilder has reignited speculation that he could fight Anthony Joshua despite his shock ‘Day of Reckoning’ defeat to Joseph Parker.

Wilder was convincingly beaten by Parker by unanimous decision in Riyadh on Saturday, but insists that his highly-anticipated showdown with the Brit can still go ahead in the New Year.

Joshua and Wilder had - according to some reports - agreed to fight on March 9, providing they overcame their respective opponents - Otto Wallin and Parker.

But while Joshua put on an impressive performance to stop Wallin after five rounds, Wilder couldn't keep his side of the bargain.

“They [Joshua and his camp] really don’t want that fight,” Wilder told 78SPORTSTV. “When I lost did you see how happy he was coming out? ‘Now I can escape.’

“I broke out laughing. I made him able to perform like that. He was like, ‘I ain’t gotta fight Wilder.’

“The rumour was he was talking about retiring if I won.

“March 9, the fight still can go on. But this is a perfect way for them to get out.”

The 38-year-old Wilder also claimed that ring rust played a role in his defeat to Parker.

His previous fight was back in October 2022 when he dispatched Robert Helenius but even that fight was over quickly, and the American believes that his lack of activity proved costly.

“My timing was off because of inactivity," Wilder added. “I’m disappointed because I know I’m a way better fighter than him [Parker].

“I had such a great training camp, such great sparring, and when I got in the ring everything was off, my mind and my focus was off.

“I hurt him a few times, but certain shots I didn’t take. It was hesitation and I couldn’t understand why.”

In contrast to Wilder, Joshua was on a high after his victory and provided an ideal response to the pre-fight criticism thrown his way by the Bronze Bomber.

"I wasn't watching. I just focused on myself," Joshua said after his victory. "I know how important it was for me. I heard that Deontay lost. So what? He'll be back.

"Deontay, everything that he said about me, I could rip him apart right now, but I'm going to take the higher ground."

- - -

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media