One major upset last night changed the course of the entire heavyweight boxing division for 2024. In an unexpected twist of fate, Deontay Wilder lost the ‘Day of Reckoning’ fight at the hands of Joseph Parker. Going into the fight, ‘The Bronze Bomber’ was a big crowd favorite, but Parker wasn’t letting up, winning the fight via unanimous decision.

Interestingly, Wilder was widely believed to be the second-best after Tyson Fury. However, Parker’s brilliant performance changed that last night as he established himself as the top brass in the heavyweight division. Yet, that’s not the only change the heavyweight division will see. So, it begs the question – what about Anthony Joshua vs. Deontay Wilder? What are the repercussions of Wilder’s loss?

The fate of Anthony Joshua vs. Deontay Wilder

Prior to last night’s fight, plans were set in motion for Wilder to face Anthony Joshua on 9 March next year. However, the only condition was that both fighters must win their fights tonight. While Joshua bagged the victory via a fifth-round TKO against Otto Wallin, Wilder barely made it to the final round in the lopsided affair. So, it seems like the Joshua vs. Wilder fight is unlikely to happen!

Moreover, the Tuscaloosa resident even hinted at hanging up the gloves after the unexpected loss against Parker. In his post-match interview, Wilder stated: “I’m a happy fighter. I’ll be back, and if not, then it’s been a pleasure. I don’t know [if I still have the same fire I used to], a lot has calmed me down.” Plus, given his underwhelming performance, the best course of action for the heavyweight is to retire. However, this will reshape the heavyweight scene drastically.

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The fate of heavyweight boxing in 2024

Before the upset, a fight between Joshua and Wilder was in the making for decades. So, with Wilder’s loss and the future fight falling apart, ‘AJ’ needs to find his next big opponent. What’s more, by defeating Wallin, Joshua just became the No. 2 contender in the IBF heavyweight rankings. Currently, Oleksandr Usyk holds the IBF title.

The Ukrainian also holds the WBA and WBO titles and is vying for a fight against Tyson Fury to obtain his WBC title and unify the division. So, if Usyk defeats Fury in their fight scheduled for 14 February next year, Joshua could possibly face the Ukranian for all his titles. Or, if Fury ends up winning the fight, Joshua could pursue him.

Eddie Hearn: I’m just going to go and vomit

If Wilder would have won the fight tonight, the March 9 clash would have been guaranteed, giving fans what they have wanted for years. However, after Wilder’s loss, Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, was really disappointed with Wilder’s performance. “I’m just going to go and vomit…I said in the buildup – I don’t rate him…Wilder had no idea, no clue. He lost 120-108, he lost every round,” said Hearn.

Hearn went on to suggest that the fight was a one-sided affair, adding Wilder ruined the plans for a future fight between Wilder and Joshua. “It was the most one-sided heavyweight fight. I’ve seen he had no power in the back end of the fight, and listen, it’s ruined our plans,” said Hearn. He later added, “The future is not Deontay Wilder.”

Also Read: “Future Is Not Deontay Wilder”: Eddie Hearn Mocks Hardest Puncher of Boxing History Questioning His Performance Against Joseph Parker

Despite being the crowd favorite, Deontay Wilder’s absence from the ring really showed in his last night’s fight. According to his statement, it could also have been the last time people saw him in the ring. The repercussions of the loss will force Joshua to look for a better opponent, which might lead to a title clash next year or beyond. Did you watch last night’s event? What did you think of Parker’s performance? 

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