Deontay Wilder declared he’s ready for big fights again after a gritty split decision win over Derek Chisora at the O2 Arena. Though the Bronze Bomber’s power was limited by a suspected broken right hand early in the bout, he emphasized resilience: “I’m a king and I showed that tonight.” The victory reignites interest in a long-anticipated clash with Anthony Joshua, who walked past Wilder post-fight and reportedly exchanged a “Let’s do it” exchange.

The potential matchup holds nostalgic appeal, as Wilder and Joshua were once linked for a 2017 title fight that never materialized. Both boxers now seek to close their careers with marquee bouts. Wilder’s star power in the U.K. and Joshua’s return after a 15-month hiatus following a fatal car crash involving his close friends make the fight commercially viable. ESPN reported that a Wilder-Joshua bout could sell out an outdoor stadium, though neither holds current world titles.

The fight’s feasibility hinges on Wilder’s recovery and Joshua’s training adjustments under Oleksandr Usyk. Wilder’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has hinted at prioritizing a Tyson Fury-Joshua showdown first, but Wilder’s recent win keeps pressure on both camps. Risks abound: Wilder’s durability against Joshua’s counterpunching and Usyk’s influence on Joshua’s style remain unknowns. Yet, as the article notes, “It’s a high-risk fight for both,” with Wilder’s power posing a unique threat to Joshua’s recent struggles against heavy hitters like Daniel Dubois.

Wilder-Joshua isn’t just a fan-service bout—it’s a chance to settle lingering questions about their careers. With Fury’s promoter pushing for a Fury-Joshua fight first, Wilder’s bid adds urgency. As the piece concludes, “The biggest fight in the division is still Fury-Joshua, with cautious optimism,” but Wilder’s challenge forces a reckoning: can legacy clashes still captivate in an era of calculated matchmaking?