Bob Arum gives honest verdict on Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder’s futures

Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder have both experienced the euphoric highs that come with heavyweight championship glory – but must now respond to their devastating setbacks.

In the wake of his brutal fifth-round stoppage defeat to Daniel Dubois, Joshua has squashed any retirement rumors by confirming that he will, in fact, resume his turbulent career.

Wilder, too, has been linked with retirement following his fourth professional loss to Zhilei Zhang, in a fight where he looked a shadow of the once formidable ‘Bronze Bomber.’

And now, it would seem that the pair have a point to prove, with Top Rank promoter Bob Arum, among many others, claiming that they are both damaged goods.

Bob Arum explains why it is ‘over’ for Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder

Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder are two former world champions whose names will always be synonymous with this era of heavyweight stars.

And yet, with IBF titleist Daniel Dubois eying up an undisputed clash with the winner of Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury’s rematch on December 21, it could be said that a new landscape is beginning to take shape.

That much is certainly true in the eyes of Hall of Fame promoter Arum who, despite enjoying Joshua and Dubois’ slugfest at Wembley Stadium, believes that there is, indeed, a new sheriff in town.

“It was what heavyweight fights used to be – two guys go out and slug each other and one guy knocks the other one out. I mean that’s exciting,” Arum told Fight Hub TV when asked about Joshua vs Dubois.

“Dubois signed a two-fight deal with the Saudis and I think, really, the best fight for Dubois is to fight the winner of Fury vs Usyk.

“I just think that AJ, you know, has been through a lot of wars. I think it’s over for him as well as Wilder. Maybe they could fight each other – that would be a good fight.”

Will Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder finally take place?

After years of failed negotiations between both parties, it would appear that a clash between Joshua and Wilder is, now more than ever, far more likely to materialize.

Of course, the two pulverizing punchers are no longer in their primes and, based on their last two outings, a potential showdown could represent a last chance saloon for both fighters.

With that being said, there is a very probable chance that the pair may go their separate ways, as Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed that an immediate rematch with Dubois is still very much on the table.