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Anthony Joshua versus Deontay Wilder is in danger of being the match-up that got away in this heavyweight era.

The two big punchers could have, at one stage, faced off for the undisputed crown, but failed talks and different paths put paid to that and both men would lost their belts.

Anthony Joshua or Deontay Wilder Could Fight Winner of Tyson Fury vs  Oleksandr Usyk if the Fight Happens in 2024 - EssentiallySports

Joshua was first upset by Andy Ruiz Jr and, though he won the unified titles back in the rematch, Wilder was then embroiled in a trilogy with Tyson Fury that he would come out relieved of his WBC belt.

‘AJ’ then lost again to Oleksandr Usyk and couldn’t reverse the result in a return fight. The lack of belts seemed to then make talks easier with his American rival, as well as the introduction of Riyadh Season and its deep pockets, and the pair were put on a collision course, fighting on the same card against different opponents with wins setting up the clash.

Kownacki, who just five years ago boasted a perfect 20-0 record and was touted as a potential opponent for the likes of Anthony Joshua, endured what could be his final professional career outing.

The Polish heavyweight lasted just 45 seconds in the first round as Meyna connected with a number of big shots before the referee stepped in to stop the bout.

This is the fifth straight defeat for Kownacki, with the 34-year-old previously losing to Joe Cusumano, Ali Eren Demirezen and twice to Robert Helenius.

Boxing: Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder reportedly already have a deal to  fight | Marca

Just a few years ago, the Pole was seen by many as a serious contender as he picked up victories over former world title holders Charles Martin and Chris Arreola.

Any hopes of a championship opportunity were dashed by his continuing losing run.

More concerning than the defeats themselves is the manner in which Kownacki has suffered them.

Joshua however points out that even though bouts with those opponents never came to fruition, for his part he has previously agreed to fight both men.

Talks for a fight with Tyson Fury have stalled and collapsed in the past, while Joshua had inked a deal to fight Wilder this year, only for the American to suffer a surprise upset loss to Joseph Parker and nix the arrangement.

On November 19, 2005, Floyd Mayweather Jr. fought his first welterweight fight. Four months later, he would win his first championship belt in the division. But in that duration, on February 4, 2006, an era came to an end. One of the greatest boxers in history, Thomas Hearns, finally hung up his gloves.

Mayweather Jr. retired nearly a decade later. But many can’t help but pose an intriguing question. Towards the twilight years of his career, Hearns fought in the cruiserweight and lightweight divisions. However, he commenced his career as a welterweight. So what would have happened if the two greats had collided as 147-pounders? Who would have won? A former champion seems certain of the route this gripping square-off would have taken.
Floyd Mayweather versus Tommy ‘The Hitman’ Hearns at 147. Who’s gonna take that one?” Now that’s a million-dollar question. But who would risk the answer? Both are boxing greats and living legends. Where one excelled as a defensive genius, the other relished pummeling opponents with a relentless attack. After spending nearly 20 years inside the ring, Mayweather Jr. retired with an unbeaten record.
Who would win between Deontay Wilder and Floyd Mayweather Jr? - Quora

It is what it is, y’all. ‘Hitman’ takes that. It is what it is.” He said this during the interview. He shared that he had gone through ‘The Hitman’s career right from his amateur days. Hence, according to Porter, he had never been as skilled as many expected him to be, despite all the boxing he had been doing since a young age.