Fans Call Out Deontay Wilder for ‘$50 Million’ Bluff About Anthony Joshua

Former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder gives a deeper insight into what went wrong with the Anthony Joshua superfight.

Fans Call Out Deontay Wilder for ‘$50 Million’ Bluff About Anthony Joshua

Deontay Wilder talks about Anthony Joshua (via Boxing Scene)

Deontay Wilder rose to prominence in the heavyweight division with his knockout power and imposing size. His reign as WBC champion and early stoppage wins made him one of boxing’s most feared punchers. Recent losses to top opponents have dented his credibility. Wilder has now revived his rivalry with Anthony Joshua, showing renewed interest in making the fight happen.

For years, a fight between Wilder and Joshua was labeled a heavyweight superfight due to their shared knockout power. Both held world titles simultaneously, making the matchup one of the most anticipated bouts of the era. Wilder’s 2023 loss to Joseph Parker shifted both fighters’ paths. Joshua instead focused on pursuing other championship challenges while Wilder faced setbacks.

Wilder was reportedly offered a $100 million contract from DAZN to face Joshua, one of the largest deals ever proposed in heavyweight boxing. He turned it down, citing concerns over transparency and fairness in the deal. Instead, Wilder’s team proposed a $50 million purse directly to Joshua in an effort to make the fight happen. However, the ‘Bronze Bomber’ recently clarified the situation by pinning the blame on Joshua.

I was never in his plans. When you got a guy, and you are molding him, you dont want to put him in dangerous fights. They were going to give him $50 million upfront, and then you make more with pay-per-views and all that stuff. It’s still the biggest fight in the world. I always tell them I am still active, I am still here, he is still active, he is still here. Eventually, if we both want it, we can meet.

Deontay Wilder via Cigar Talk Podcast

Matchroom Boxing CEO Eddie Hearn had pushed aggressively to make the superfight a reality. He stated it could happen quickly if Wilder defeated Parker and remained in title contention. After Wilder’s loss, Hearn confirmed that the opportunity had passed. Joshua moved on to other bouts, leaving the highly anticipated fight out of reach for the ‘Bronze Bomber’ at that time.

Wilder returned to the win column in June 2025 with a knockout victory over Tyrell Anthony Herndon, marking his first clear win in nearly three years. Before that, he had suffered a knockout loss to Zhilei Zhang and a unanimous decision loss to Joseph Parker. The Herndon fight restored some momentum and confidence for Wilder and reestablished him as a relevant figure in the heavyweight division.

Recently, Oleksandr Usyk called out Wilder after being stripped of his undisputed heavyweight status. Usyk sees Wilder as a formidable opponent in his bid to reclaim or defend heavyweight titles. This development brings Wilder back into discussions for top-level matchups. As his career enters a new phase, Deontay Wilder remains a figure in the division and a key contender for future title fights.

Fans call out Deontay Wilder for pinning the blame on Anthony Joshua for their superfight not materializing

Fans have criticized Deontay Wilder for contradicting his earlier claims that he turned down a $100 million offer due to concerns about dishonesty. Many are pointing out that he is now publicly seeking a fight with Joshua. Social media highlights the perceived inconsistency between his past statements and current actions. Supporters of Anthony Joshua note this contradiction as a talking point in discussions.

Deontay Wilder
Deontay Wilder (via Boxing Scene)

Critics are calling Wilder out for hypocrisy, arguing he was the one who declined a significant financial opportunity. Many point out that rejecting a historic $100 million offer undermines his credibility. Some fans suggest his renewed pursuit of Joshua seems driven by opportunism rather than competition. Others note it raises questions about whether Wilder prioritizes legacy or financial gain.

Many believe Wilder is chasing the newfound prominence Joshua gained after high-profile victories, including knocking out Jake Paul. Fans argue that the renewed rivalry is motivated by exposure and attention rather than competitive necessity. Discussions suggest Deontay Wilder is leveraging Joshua’s current marketability. Overall, social media portrays this pursuit as fame-driven.

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