Anthony Joshua had a brutally honest reaction to Deontay Wilder‘s knockout by Zhilei Zhang, in what could be Wilder’s final boxing match. The emphatic knockout in the fifth round occurred during the 5v5 contest in Saudi Arabia, where Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions dominated Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing.
When asked if he found Wilder’s knockout sad, Joshua bluntly replied: “No.” This curt response highlighted the competitive nature of the sport and Joshua’s unyielding focus on his own career.
Joshua had been rumored to fight Wilder if Wilder had secured a positive result in the 5v5 contest. With Wilder’s defeat, plans for a series of fights between the two now seem unlikely. Instead, Joshua may face Wilder’s conqueror, Zhilei Zhang, or Daniel Dubois next.
In an interview with DAZN, Joshua was asked who he wants to fight next. His response was indifferent to specific opponents: “They are all going to get a seeing to.” This statement underscores Joshua’s confidence and readiness to take on any challenger.
Former WBC champion Wilder had his head slammed into the canvas by a right hook from Zhang, leading the referee to stop the fight after Wilder failed to meet the count. The 38-year-old had hinted that this fight could be his last, but Joshua has encouraged him to carefully consider his next steps and avoid making hasty retirement decisions.
Joshua offered some perspective on Wilder’s career, stating: “If you want to do it, do it. It’s not a big deal boxing. If you want to fight, fight on, and if you don’t want to do it, don’t do it any more. It’s just where your heart’s at.”
He added, “He went in there against a good fighter in Zhilei, he’s an Olympian, Zhilei. People forget that. He’s come through, he’s got a great style. I fought him before in the Olympics and he’s still doing what he does now, so many years on. He was in with a real good, seasoned professional with a great pedigree.”
Joshua acknowledged Wilder’s contributions to boxing and the possibility of life beyond the ring. “It doesn’t matter, come again if you want, and if you don’t, you’ve got your family there, there’s another life outside of boxing for him.”
Anthony Joshua’s candid response to Wilder’s knockout underscores the harsh realities of professional boxing. As Joshua looks ahead to his next opponent, whether it’s Zhilei Zhang or another challenger, the boxing world awaits Wilder’s decision on his future. The sport’s dynamic landscape ensures that both fighters’ next moves will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.