Deontay Wilder fell to Zhilei Zhang via TKO in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, throwing doubt on the Bronze Bomber’s future in boxing only days after being predicted to face Anthony Joshua later this year.

After seeing former heavyweight champion and prospective future opponent Deontay Wilder be knocked out by Zhilei Zhang, Anthony Joshua reacted with a scathing six-word remark.

Zhang, a Chinese fighter, knocked out Wilder in the fifth round with two devastating right hooks. The Bronze Bomber could barely wobble to his feet, and the referee quickly stopped the fight in Saudi Arabia, handing Zhang the victory.

Deontay Wilder lost to Zhilei Zhang in Riyadh.

Wilder, who now faces calls to retire after last winning a fight in 2022, had been tipped to fight Joshua in September if he beat Zhang. With those plans in tatters following Wilder’s relatively timid display against Big Bang, Joshua – who was in Riyadh to watch the fight – was asked by DAZN whether it was disappointing to see the American lose in the way he did. “Nah, it is what it is,” Joshua brutally replied.

The Brit – who Zhang wants to fight – then discussed Wilder’s future in boxing, saying in more sympathetic fashion: “Come again if you want, but he’s got his family and there’s a life outside of boxing for him. I enjoy fighting in London, I enjoy fighting out here [Saudi Arabia], I enjoy fighting in America.

“It’s a blessing, and it doesn’t last forever. That’s why I say it with Wilder if he wants to go again, give it another crack. But sooner or later, Father Time will catch up with you – with everyone.”

Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, also commented on Wilder’s future, adding: “He’s shown in the last two fights that he’s not the threat that he used to be, and he’s got to find the reason why. Does he not have it anymore? I don’t know.

Anthony Joshua’s next opponent is yet to be decided.

Hearn continued: “AJ went through a little bit of that at one stage, they used to be petrified of AJ, now they’re petrified again. For me, it’s a personal decision for Deontay. He tried, tried to convince himself, tried in the ring… but just couldn’t do it. I just wonder whether he’s the same fighter that he was.”

Daniel Dubois is now expected to be Joshua’s next opponent in an all-British bout, having stopped Filip Hrgovic in the eighth round on Saturday to clinch the IBF interim world heavyweight title. Dubois said after his win: “I’ve heard the next opponent will be AJ, so bring it on.

“I’m anxious to become the best, this is my era and my time. I’m glad I’ve got this IBF belt and on to the next.”