Roy Jones Jr. Favors Anthony Joshua in Potential Showdown with Deontay Wilder
A long-awaited clash between Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder remains a possibility as both heavyweights near the final stages of their careers. Roy Jones Jr. has weighed in on the matchup, expressing his belief that Joshua has the edge.
For years, Joshua and Wilder reigned as champions in different organizations but never managed to face off in the ring. Since then, both have been dethroned and have taken different paths in their careers.
Wilder’s decline began after his trilogy with Tyson Fury, where he suffered two knockout defeats. Since then, he has fought three more times—knocking out Robert Helenius, losing a lackluster decision to Joseph Parker, and suffering a brutal fifth-round stoppage against Zhilei Zhang in June 2024.
Joshua, meanwhile, lost back-to-back fights to Oleksandr Usyk but rebuilt with wins over Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou. However, his resurgence was halted in September when IBF champion Daniel Dubois handed him another defeat. With Tyson Fury now retired, Joshua’s next opponent remains uncertain, and Wilder is among the potential options.
When asked about the potential fight, Jones told iFL TV that he sees Joshua as the likely winner.
“I think Joshua has a better chance of winning that fight,” Jones said. “I don’t think Joshua is as damaged as Wilder. Wilder showed with Parker he really didn’t want it anymore. I don’t know, we’ll have to see what Wilder shows up.”
If the fight happens, it could serve as a final opportunity for both former champions to prove they still belong at the top of the heavyweight division.