The heavyweight boxing division has always been a battlefield for the toughest, most skilled athletes in the sport. With giants like Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder, fans are constantly speculating about the outcome of a potential fight between these two powerhouses. Joshua, with his elite athleticism and technical prowess, versus Wilder, with his explosive knockout power and unpredictable style, creates a tantalizing matchup that boxing fans dream about. But what if someone who has sparred both of them shared their insights? That’s exactly what happened when a top fighter gave their thoughts on the potential outcome of a showdown between these two heavyweight titans.

Before diving into the sparring accounts and analysis, it’s essential to understand what makes both Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder unique in the heavyweight division.

Anthony Joshua, the British boxing superstar, is known for his well-rounded skill set. With an Olympic gold medal in 2012 and multiple world heavyweight titles under his belt, Joshua’s style combines excellent footwork, an educated jab, and impressive power. His only defeats — to Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019 and Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 — have been marked by tactical flaws and moments of vulnerability, but Joshua has since bounced back and demonstrated his ability to adapt and learn from his losses.

Deontay Wilder, on the other hand, is a force of nature. The American former WBC heavyweight champion is best known for his jaw-dropping knockout power. With 41 knockouts in 45 wins, Wilder’s right hand is one of the most feared weapons in boxing history. His unorthodox style, reliance on explosive athleticism, and aggression make him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division. While Wilder has been criticized for his lack of technical refinement, his raw power and determination have carried him to the top — even if it came at the cost of some technical weaknesses, most notably in his fights with Tyson Fury.

So, with these two fighters’ contrasting styles, the question remains: Who would win if they went head-to-head?

Recently, a highly respected fighter who has had the opportunity to spar both Joshua and Wilder shared their observations on the pair. In an exclusive interview with Boxing News, the boxer discussed the differences in their approaches, the challenges they presented, and ultimately gave their take on how a fight between them would play out.

According to the sparring partner, both Joshua and Wilder are impressive in their own right but bring entirely different challenges to the ring.

Sparring Anthony Joshua: The fighter explained that sparring with Anthony Joshua was a technical and strategic experience. “Joshua is very methodical in his approach,” the fighter noted. “He controls distance well, and his jab is very sharp. He’s got power, of course, but it’s his discipline and the way he controls the rhythm of the fight that stands out. In sparring, you can feel that he’s thinking with every move. You have to be sharp, otherwise, he’ll punish you for making mistakes.”

The sparring partner added that Joshua’s athleticism also made him a formidable opponent, saying, “Joshua’s footwork is impressive for a man his size. He can move, pivot, and avoid shots while setting up his own. But you also have to remember that he’s capable of turning the lights out with a single punch.”

Sparring Deontay Wilder: In contrast, sparring with Deontay Wilder was described as a completely different challenge. “Wilder is a completely different animal. His power is just unreal,” the fighter said. “He doesn’t have the same level of finesse as Joshua, but the way he can deliver power from almost any angle is terrifying. You might be in the middle of a round thinking you’re safe, but then he can land that right hand, and it’s over.”

The sparring partner also remarked on Wilder’s unpredictable nature: “Wilder’s style is wild, no pun intended. He doesn’t follow a set pattern. One minute, you think he’s going to throw a jab, and then he’ll land a looping right hand from nowhere. His unpredictability is what makes him dangerous.”

So, after sparring both men, who does this experienced fighter believe would win in a fight between Joshua and Wilder?

In their view, it would be a close and potentially explosive contest, but Deontay Wilder would come out on top in a potential bout. “Joshua is technically better, no doubt,” the fighter said. “He’s got a more complete boxing game. But Wilder has that one punch power, and if he lands it, it’s lights out. Joshua’s been hurt before — look at his fight with Ruiz. Wilder is more dangerous in that respect because he only needs one chance.”

That said, the sparring partner didn’t rule out Joshua’s chances entirely. “Joshua has the skills to outbox Wilder, but he’d have to be extremely disciplined and avoid getting drawn into a brawl. If he sticks to his game plan, he could win a points decision, but that’s easier said than done. Wilder’s unpredictability and power are a factor that can change the course of any fight.”

Ultimately, the fight between Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder is one of those rare matchups in boxing that could go either way. Both fighters have the tools to win, and their contrasting styles create a perfect storm for an action-packed bout. While the sparring partner leaned slightly toward Wilder due to his devastating power and ability to change the course of a fight with a single punch, the final outcome would likely depend on how the fight played out on the night.

For boxing fans, this is a dream fight that could deliver fireworks, with the result hanging in the balance until the final bell. But one thing’s for certain: When two giants like Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder collide, the world of boxing will be watching with bated breath.

As exciting as the potential showdown between Joshua and Wilder is, 2025 is already shaping up to be a monumental year for boxing. We’re only a few weeks into the year, and already, boxing fans are being teased with some of the biggest, most anticipated fights the sport has seen in years. One of the most talked-about matchups is the long-rumored superfight between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford.

Reports are swirling that negotiations are in the final stages for a potential clash between the two pound-for-pound elites. If finalized, this fight would be a dream come true for boxing enthusiasts worldwide, pitting the Mexican powerhouse Canelo, known for his dominance across multiple weight classes, against Crawford, the undefeated welterweight champion who boasts incredible skills and versatility. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and fans are already salivating at the prospect of what could be a fight of the decade.

With Canelo versus Crawford potentially on the horizon, and the heavyweight showdown between Joshua and Wilder still in the conversation, 2025 is set to be one of the most thrilling years in boxing history. Each fight represents a chance for legendary status to be cemented, and for fans, it’s shaping up to be a year filled with jaw-dropping action, drama, and unforgettable moments.