Deontay Wilder is all set to return to the ring on June 27 at the Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, facing Tyrrell Anthony Herndon after more than a year of inactivity. However, ahead of his comeback, Matchroom Boxing head Eddie Hearn has revealed a major update regarding a potential clash between the former WBC heavyweight champion and his top star, Anthony Joshua.

The pair have long been linked to a potential showdown, but a fight between them has never come to fruition, despite both reigning as champions in the same heavyweight era. In December 2023, a deal was in place for them to finally meet in the ring, contingent on both winning their respective bouts at the time. While ‘AJ’ delivered with a dominant victory over Otto Wallin, Wilder suffered a shocking upset at the hands of Joseph Parker, derailing plans for the long-anticipated clash. This was soon followed by another loss Wilder suffered to Zhilei Zhang, which made things worse. Still, Eddie Hearn hasn’t completely shut the door on the possibility of the two heavyweights squaring off in the future.

During an interview with Fight Hype recently, the Matchroom Boss was pressed about his thoughts on Wilder’s return. “I think the fight’s not really going to tell us too much, but [it’s] just to get that confidence of a win [in Wilder],” Hearn told the reporter. Hearn believes that if Wilder struggles against Herndon, then his retirement is inevitable.

However, the British promoter is hoping that Wilder can secure a great win, so he can set up a fight in the future. “If he keeps winning, maybe people can talk about that fight again. So it’s definitely a fight that I don’t rule out,” Eddie Hearn shared. He explained that while fans don’t necessarily expect Wilder to beat Joshua, there’s hope that ‘The Bronze Bomber’ can shift that perception with his next performance.

Like Wilder, Anthony Joshua also endured a shocking loss to Daniel Dubois last year. However, there’s still no official word on his return to the ring, though rumors continue to swirl about a potential clash with the retired former heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury. Nevertheless, while Hearn is keeping the hopes alive for Joshua-Wilder, someone else wants Wilder to retire.

Tyson Fury urges Deontay Wilder to retire amid Anthony Joshua talks

Tyson Fury, who retired from boxing after losing to Oleksandr Usyk twice, has urged former rival Deontay Wilder to retire from boxing, even as talks swirl around a potential bout between Wilder and Anthony Joshua. Despite Wilder’s planned return on June 27 against Tyrrell Herndon, Fury believes it’s time for the Bronze Bomber to walk away.

“Being truthful, I’d like to see poor old Deontay retire from boxing,” Fury said on Pound 4 Pound with Kamaru and Henry. “Since that third trilogy, we took a lot of years off each other’s lives… That war, which ended in the 11th round by knockout, took a lot out of our tanks.” Fury, who defeated Wilder twice after a draw in their first meeting, noted the physical toll their rivalry took on both men. “He’s only a shadow of his former glory. The only thing left that remains the same about Deontay is his name,” Fury added.

That said, while Eddie Hearn may be offering Deontay Wilder a golden opportunity, Tyson Fury believes the last American heavyweight champion should call it quits before it’s too late. Whether Wilder seizes this chance or chooses to walk away remains to be seen. What do you think—should Wilder continue, or is it time to hang up the gloves?