Boxing
Wilder's manager hits out at Joshua team after comeback confirmed
Benavidez vs. Zurdo: Watch on DAZN PPV - Saturday
Anthony Joshua had "no intention" to fight Deontay Wilder, with the latter's manager Shelly Finkel calling it "the same old story".
The Briton is set to face Tyson Fury later this year in one of the heavyweight division's most-anticipated modern-day clashes.
Before then however, Joshua will take a tune-up fight against the relative unknown Kristian Prenga in Riyadh this July.
Wilder had been floated as a possible opponent for the star - but now, Finkel has claimed that discussions never took place.
DAZN FACE OFF: Wardley vs. Dubois
Watch explosive encounter here
"Eddie [Hearn] never reached out to us," he told Sky Sports News. "Joshua obviously had no intention of fighting Deontay Wilder.
"[You] can't be disappointed about something that never was. [It is the] same old story, just a new date."
Joshua and Wilder have come close to teeing up a major glamour-class bout before, including an undisputed clash back in 2019.
The former's shock loss to Andy Ruiz Jr. scotched plans however, with Wilder subsequently facing Fury in a gripping trilogy contest.
Is skipping Wilder right call for Joshua?
DAZN News correspondent Andrew Steel
Straight after Deontay Wilder sent Derek Chisora into retirement earlier this month, he was angling for Anthony Joshua next up.
At the very least, the Briton seemed game when they met ringside briefly at London's The O2 Arena - but, alas, it is not to be.
For Joshua's part - ot at least that of Matchroom supremo Eddie Hearn - the choice of Kristian Prenga screams pragmatism.
Wilder may not possess the fearsome power and finesse he once had, but he still could have seriously derailed plans for 'AJ'.
With a Tyson Fury mega-bout merely months down the line, Joshua just needs his ring legs back. This seems the safest course.
