Anthony Joshua Shows Little Concern for Deontay Wilder After Brutal Knockout by Zhilei Zhang
Anthony Joshua didn’t seem overly worried about Deontay Wilder’s future in boxing after witnessing his knockout defeat by Zhilei Zhang on Saturday night. Wilder appeared timid and hesitant, ultimately being knocked out in the fifth round of a critical bout that now leaves his career in question.
Joshua was ringside, watching as Wilder faced Zhang. The fight saw Wilder mostly on the back foot, offering little in terms of offense until the fifth round, when he attempted to turn the tide but was met with a pair of devastating lead hooks from Zhang that sent him to the canvas.
Anthony Joshua watched on from ringside as Deontay Wilder was KO’d by Zhilei Zhang
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Anthony Joshua watched on from ringside as Deontay Wilder was KO’d by Zhilei ZhangCredit: X – Matchroom Boxing
Before the fight, Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh hinted at a possible showdown between Joshua and Wilder in September, contingent on Wilder’s victory over Zhang. However, Zhang’s win has now put him and Daniel Dubois in the running to face Joshua next.
When asked by DAZN if he was disappointed by Wilder’s loss, Joshua simply replied, “Nah, it is what it is.” Despite his unsympathetic reaction to the knockout, Joshua remained open to Wilder’s potential return to the ring.
“Come again if you want, but he’s got his family and there’s a life outside of boxing for him,” Joshua added.
Wilder was caught by a lead hook in the fifth round which he couldn’t recover from
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Wilder was caught by a lead hook in the fifth round which he couldn’t recover fromCredit: Mark Robinson / Matchroom Boxing
“I enjoy fighting in London, I enjoy fighting out here [Saudi Arabia], I enjoy fighting in America. It’s a blessing, and it doesn’t last forever. That’s why I say it with Wilder, if he wants to go again, give it another crack. But sooner or later, Father Time will catch up with you – with everyone.”
Daniel Dubois now appears to be the leading candidate to fight Joshua next. Dubois stopped Filip Hrgovic in the eighth round after overcoming early adversity and dominated the Croatian. By winning, Dubois secured the IBF interim title and could be upgraded to full champion if Oleksandr Usyk is stripped of his title, as expected.
