Anthony Joshua Favoured by Hasim Rahman in Wilder Fight Prediction

**Anthony Joshua** was named the favorite by former heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman in a recent interview, with the ex‑fighter saying he would back Joshua if a clash with Deontay Wilder ever materialised. Rahman’s view comes as both men navigate the later stages of their careers, and Joshua prepares for a July 25 showdown with Kristian Prenga in Jeddah.

Rahman explained that the two‑fight scenario would likely produce a different winner each time, but his gut still leans toward Joshua at this point. He noted Joshua’s size, power and experience as assets that outweigh Wilder’s recent decline. The former champion also highlighted Joshua’s resilience after a shock loss to Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019, suggesting the British boxer has rebuilt his confidence and ring IQ.

When Wilder held the WBC belt, he knocked out Luis Ortiz and Bermane Stiverne, while Joshua reigned as the unified heavyweight champion. Their much‑talked‑about showdown never happened; Wilder chose a bout with Tyson Fury in 2018, ending in a dramatic two‑knockdown draw. Joshua, meanwhile, suffered a seventh‑round stoppage loss to Ruiz in 2019, then bounced back with wins over Oleksandr Usyk and others. Their most recent encounters with top opponents came in 2023-Joshua beat Otto Wallin, while Wilder fell to the “Bronze Bomber” in a unanimous decision loss.

Joshua has already signed to fight Kristian Prenga on 25 July 2026 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A victory there could set up a high‑profile clash with Tyson Fury later in the year, a fight many fans consider the next big heavyweight event. If Joshua continues to impress, a Wilder‑Joshua bout might re‑emerge, especially as Wilder is reportedly negotiating a fight with Usyk.

Rahman’s endorsement adds another voice to the ongoing debate about who should be the top contender in a division that has seen titles change hands frequently. Joshua’s upcoming fight and potential Fury showdown could reshape the pecking order, while Wilder’s recent split‑decision win over Derek Chisora in April shows he still has a punch left. The heavyweight scene remains fluid, and Rahman’s prediction underscores the intrigue surrounding any possible Joshua‑Wilder matchup.

Supporters of both fighters now have a fresh talking point. Joshua’s camp can point to a former champion’s confidence, while Wilder’s team may use the prediction as motivation to prove the opposite. The next few months will be crucial, with Joshua’s Jeddah bout acting as a litmus test for his readiness to take on the sport’s remaining heavyweights.

Even without an official bout, the Joshua‑Wilder narrative persists. Rahman’s comments keep the speculation alive, and as both athletes continue to fight high‑profile opponents, the question of who would win remains a hot topic on boxing forums and social media. The heavyweight division’s next chapter is shaping up to be anything but predictable.