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Turki Alalshikh Pushes for Anthony Joshua vs. Deontay Wilder: A Clash of Titans in the Making
Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua—two names synonymous with power, prestige, and the promise of fireworks in the boxing ring. While the boxing world continues to digest Tyson Fury's abrupt announcement of his retirement, another storyline emerges that could electrify the heavyweight division: Saudi boxing promoter Turki Alalshikh’s call for a showdown between Joshua and Wilder.
Earlier this month, ‘The Gypsy King’ Tyson Fury shocked fans by hanging up his gloves after a narrow loss to Oleksandr Usyk. Many hoped Fury would finally step into the ring against Anthony Joshua, but with Fury seemingly out of the picture, the attention has shifted.
In an interview with TalkSport, Alalshikh expressed his disappointment at Fury’s retirement but revealed he’s not waiting around. Instead, he’s focused on delivering another blockbuster bout: Anthony Joshua vs. Deontay Wilder.
The Case for Joshua vs. Wilder
The timing couldn’t be more crucial. Deontay Wilder, once the undefeated knockout king of the heavyweight division, has faced a rough patch. With four losses in his last five outings, including a crushing defeat to Zhilei Zhang last summer, Wilder’s star power might be dimming—but it hasn’t faded entirely. He still possesses the type of power that can end a fight in an instant, making him a dangerous opponent for anyone.
On the other side, Anthony Joshua has remained a consistent force in the division, despite a few setbacks. With his mix of technical skill and power, ‘AJ’ continues to be one of the biggest draws in boxing. A fight against Wilder would not only settle years of speculation and build-up but could also determine the next true contender in the heavyweight landscape.
Turki Alalshikh’s Vision
Alalshikh isn’t just interested in making the fight happen; he wants it to be monumental.
“If you want something about the British markets, I want to see [Anthony] Joshua and [Deontay] Wilder now,” Alalshikh told TalkSport. His vision for boxing extends beyond this fight, as he also hinted at future bouts for Joshua, including a possible match against Martin Bakole. However, his ultimate goal for Joshua and Wilder is to take the fight global, perhaps even to Africa.
“I want to see this fight right, I want to see it but you know where I want to see it. I want to see it in Africa… Why not Joshua and Wilder?”
The historical and cultural significance of hosting such a fight in Africa can’t be understated. It would harken back to the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle” between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in 1974, giving fans a chance to witness history while honoring the sport’s roots.
A Fight Fans Want
For years, fans have speculated about a potential clash between Joshua and Wilder, and while circumstances have kept them apart, the demand for the fight has only grown. Wilder’s knockout power versus Joshua’s technical brilliance creates a perfect clash of styles that guarantees excitement.
Furthermore, both fighters have something to prove. For Wilder, it’s a chance to silence critics who believe his prime is behind him. For Joshua, it’s an opportunity to reassert himself as the division’s top dog and perhaps set the stage for even bigger fights down the road.
What’s Next?
With Turki Alalshikh’s growing influence in the boxing world and Saudi Arabia’s increasing role as a hub for mega-events, the Joshua vs. Wilder bout feels more possible than ever. Negotiations and logistics aside, this fight is one that both fighters need and the fans deserve.
Will we see Joshua and Wilder share the ring in 2024? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: if this fight gets made, it’ll be a spectacle for the ages.
What do you think of Turki Alalshikh’s proposal? Would you like to see Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder finally settle their differences in the ring?