Deontay Wilder is a heavyweight in demand after announcing that he was willing and open to work with any promoter following years of being tied with PBC.
Whilst ‘The Bronze Bomber’ has said his relationship with Al Haymon’s company is still good, he was clear that he was speaking to others in the boxing business about staging his next fights.
The former WBC champion was last seen in the ring in October, but only for a minute or two. He knocked out Robert Helenius in the first round – a successful comeback after a lay off following two championship defeats at the hands of Tyson Fury.
Regardless of the lack of a belt around his waist, Wilder is one of the most entertaining in the division due to the dynamite in his right hand. He’s put away every man he’s faced other than Fury, and fans like knockouts, therefore promoters do, too.
When asked recently if he’d be making a play for Wilder, Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn said ‘absolutely.’ He told IFL TV he’d like to pit the man from Alabama against Andy Ruiz Jr – a fight ordered by the WBC back in November of 2022.
“Absolutely. We’d love to. I would love to make Deontay Wilder against Andy Ruiz. I think it’s a great fight, it’s been ordered, and we’d love to try and make it happen … Free agent. There you go.”
Alas, it appears that the rocky relationship between the two – see attempted negotiations to fight Anthony Joshua – have left a sour taste in Wilder’s mouth.
He was asked by Pro Boxing Fans if there was any truth to him signing with Hearn.
“That’s negative.”
👀 WILDER x HEARN ⁉️
🥊 @BronzeBomber laughed off suggestions that he is signing with @EddieHearn 🤐
📺 WATCH IN FULL ➡️ https://t.co/xmzOUgfB2S#Boxing#DeontayWilder#EddieHearnpic.twitter.com/vT48h5ix51
— Pro Boxing Fans (@ProBoxingFans) February 27, 2023
If he’s to be taken at his word, it looks like, wherever he lands, Wilder won’t be fighting under a Hearn promotion anytime soon.