Anthony Joshua vs. Deontay Wilder in September 2024 a Done Deal If Zhilei Zhang Dishonors His Promise

If there’s one thing that heavyweight boxing fans want right away is a clash between Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua. While it seemed like it might not happen shortly, Joshua has outlined that he envisions it to happen this September at an iconic British location.

After his impressive victory over Francis Ngannou, ‘AJ’ has no fight scheduled for the end of the year. On the other hand, ‘The Bronze Bomber’ is all set to represent Eddie Hearn’s team for the June 1st, 5 vs. 5 tournament between the promoter’s team and Frank Warren’s Queensberry. For that fight, he competes against Zhilei Zhang. To get his chance to fight AJ, now the only impediment that rests is a promise that Zhang has made to decimate Wilder.

From Zhilei Zhang to AJ: That’s the path for Wilder

In his recent conversation with Charlie Parson, the Chinese heavyweight vowed to drop the curtains on Wilder’s career on their fight night. He noted, “I will be his last dance partner. I don’t know if he will see the end of the dance, but I will make sure he enjoys it…Me and Deontay are both big punchers. When Chinese power vs. Alabama power, we’re going to bang the heck out of each other. Don’t blink. Everything happens in one punch.”

Now, in a fresh revelation to TalkSport, Joshua revealed that there are high chances that his impending clash against the Alabama native will possibly take place on September 20th or 21st at the iconic Wembley Stadium in London. However, for that to happen, AJ confirmed that Wilder would need to ensure that Zhang does not fulfil his vow.

The Londoner explained, “Let’s go, 110 per cent. I think that if he goes out there and looks good that will kind of reignite that flame he had. Boxing is all about perception. You can look bad one fight, go out there the next fight and look good, then everyone says, ‘Yeah, he’s back.’” It was already known that the forces of boxing in Saudi, headed by HE Turki Alalshikh were drawing up an event in Wembley. With their first overseas event for the Riyadh Seasson already slated for August 3 in Los Angeles, it is very possible that their next event will be at Wembley Stadium in London.

However, it is not just the Deontay Wilder fight that AJ is waiting for. According to him, he also envisions a fight with the WBC champion, Tyson Fury. For that fight to happen too, there is another impediment that stands in the way.

Anthony Joshua sees a fight against Tyson Fury too

In his interview with talkSport, the 34-year-old fighter revealed that HE Turki Alalshikh wants him to fight the best fighter from the 5 vs. 5 tournament. He also added that the Saudi kingpin is aiming to get the Tyson Fury fight rolling too. However, they need to wait for the upcoming undisputed clash between ‘The Gypsy King’ and Oleksandr Usyk, which will happen on May 18.

“He’s trying to deliver what the fans want. I know they want that big fight with Tyson Fury and he’s working on it…But Fury’s got his obligations with Oleksandr Usyk so I’ve gotta make sure I stay focused and disciplined, keep steamrolling through opponents so I can get closer and closer to having the opportunity of me vs Tyson Fury,” he explained.

It is highly possible that the Fury vs Usyk won’t be a one-time affair. The rematch clause in their contract allows one among them who loses the fight to invoke a rematch. Knowing the undefeated streak and yearning that the two have, it is certain that the loser will seek a rematch. Thus AJ will have to wait till next year to get a shot at Tyson Fury. This is where a fight with Deontay Wilder in September can help keep him prepared. And as always fans can get the fight that was promised them a long time ago.

Which fight do you think is more important for Anthony Joshua? His fight against Wilder or Fury? Take your picks in the comments section below.