Anthony Joshua did not mince words about Deontay Wilder’s brutal knockout loss.

In what might be the final chapter of Deontay Wilder’s storied boxing career, the American was knocked out by Zhilei Zhang during a high-stakes bout in Saudi Arabia. Anthony Joshua, who was ringside, gave his instant reaction, which was merciless.

The fight, part of Frank Warren’s Queensbury promotion against Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, ended in the fifth round when Wilder was floored by a devastating right hook from Zhang. The Bronze Bomber courageously rose to his feet, but the referee had seen enough and ended the fight.

Wilder was hesitant to throw his famous straight right hand during the fight as Zhang applied pressure. When the American opened up he was brutally countered by the Chinese powerhouse and floored and spinning in confusion from the first vicious counter. The former WBC champ lost his opportunity at a mega fight with Joshua after turning down the opportunity when he was still champion many years ago.

Anthony Joshua’s One-Word Response To Deontay Wilder’s Loss

The KO King Had No Sympathy For Wilder But Kept It Classy

When questioned whether he was sad to see Wilder being knocked out, Joshua simply responded: ‘No.’

The much-anticipated series of fights between Joshua and Wilder has lost its appeal after Wilder’s latest defeat. With potential matchups against Zhang or Daniel Dubois on the horizon, Joshua’s focus remains unwavering. “They are all going to get a seeing to,” he told DAZN when asked about his next opponent.

Wilder, a former WBC champion, had hinted before the fight that his clash with Zhang might be his last. After the bout, Joshua advised Wilder to carefully consider his future in the sport.

“I just look at and say, ‘if you want to do it, do it’. If you want to fight, fight on, and if you don’t want to do it, don’t do it anymore, it’s just where your heart’s at.” “It doesn’t matter, come again if you want, and if you don’t, you’ve got your family there, there’s another life outside of boxing for him.”

Joshua also praised Zhang’s abilities, noting the Chinese boxer’s Olympic pedigree and seasoned professionalism. “He went in there against a good fighter in Zhilei… he’s got a great style,” Joshua said.

Before the fight, Wilder acknowledged the stakes were high and suggested he may retire with a loss. “I’ve had a successful career… this could be the end of the career. This could be the final goodbye, the farewell of Deontay Wilder — if I lose.”

As the boxing world reacts to this dramatic turn of events, the future remains uncertain for Wilder who didn’t formally announce his retirement, while Joshua stands ready to face new challengers in the heavyweight division.