A Possible Fantasy Matchup: Anthony Joshua vs. Deontay Wilder

I considered this a fantasy matchup until both of them suffered their first losses, even then I gave Joshua a better chance, but not anymore, Wilder would finish him off...

 

I’ve always liked Wilder in this fight. You never know as he doesn’t have a great chin but you would think the right hand will land and that, coupled with the nervous energy AJ will exude means that will be that

 

The only way Joshua wins is if he constantly forces Wilder to go backwards.
If AJ continues to fight with too much caution & with a fear to engage he loses by KO in 5/6.
However, Wilder was so damaged by Fury, mentally & physically, maybe he has little left.

 

Wilder KO1

 

Yeah the fact that the opposite opinion is so popular feels mostly based on AJ-hating to me. Wilder showed mental toughness against Fury but the reason he had the opportunity to show mental toughness was because of how physically weak he looked whenever he got tagged. He was repeatedly knocked down hard and spent big chunks of fights 2 and 3 staggering around the ring.

Joshua was clearly shaken in the Ruiz fight and displayed a diffident/confused mentality when his head was fuzzy, as opposed to Wilder’s stubborn attitude. He also got knocked down hard by a brutal puncher in Klitschko, but recovered way better than Wilder. Joshua has shown a tendency to back down or not push the pace when he’s losing, but he hasn’t shown the physical frailty that Wilder has. I also question whether Joshua will have reason to feel cowed/subdued by Wilder, because Wilder won’t be outboxing him like Usyk did. He might get KTFO early but for as long as the fight lasts, Joshua will have every reason to be on the front foot cos it’s not like Wilder is going to be out landing him.

 

Joshua by decision in Klitschko esque jab and grab style

 

I'd watch it, but it doesn't mean as much to me anymore.

 

I always fancied the Joshua that used long guard and combinations up close to beat Wilder. Perhaps even comfortably.

Nowadays not really, though it's mainly due to him having a quit in him.

 

I dunno honestly but if AJ opened as a decent underdog I know I'd make a bet on him. Unfortunately bc bes a popular British fighter doubt the sports books will risk listing him as a huge underdog.

 

I'm sure I am in the minority with this, but I think AJ takes this. I'm less sure ever since AJ caught Wlads explosive fist with his face. IMO he was not the same fighter after that, Ruiz was a result of that not the start of it. With that said I still am backing AJ. I just feel like he will do a lot better with Wilder than what most people think.