EXCLUSIVE — Anthony Joshua expects a long-awaited heavyweight blockbuster against Deontay Wilder to happen in 2023.
The two former world champions, who once held all four of the division’s major belts between them when each was undefeated, are looking to fire themselves back into the world title picture over the next 12 months.
Joshua (24-3, 22 KOs) came up short despite an improved showing in his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk in September, while Wilder (43-2-1, 42 KOs) returned to action with an explosive first-round knockout of Robert Helenius last month — the American’s first outing since back-to-back losses concluded his dramatic trilogy with WBC champion Tyson Fury.
Fury once again tantalised fans with talk of a meeting against Joshua finally coming to fruition in December, only for negotiations to break down before the Gypsy King opted for a comparatively underwhelming third encounter with popular veteran Derek Chisora.
Joshua has conceded that being outside the title picture for the first time since his IBF title-sealing win over Charles Martin back in 2016 is disquieting, but big fights remain on the horizon.
