Deontay Wilder’s trainer, Malik Scott has revealed that he is still hopeful of his man fighting this summer, as he helps prepare the former Olympic bronze medallist for a blockbuster clash with Anthony Joshua at the end of the year.
The Bronze Bomber’s potential heavyweight fight with Joshua has been boxing’s worst kept secret in recent months, with the contest, set for Saudi Arabia, seeming close to being confirmed.
Earlier this year the American had been linked to a fight against And Ruiz Jr, with the winner assuming the position of mandatory challenger with the WBC – granting them a shot at Tyson Fury’s belt.
Although having been ordered by the WBC talks went quiet and then silent, with Wilder being linked to potentially bigger fights against AJ, Oleksandr Usyk and even Francis Ngannou.
However, Scott has made it clear he wants Wilder back in the ring before the Joshua clash and revealed to Betway that former heavyweight champion, Ruiz, is still ‘right in the mix’.
“Absolutely I would like him to fight between now and December. That’s no secret at all. Andy Ruiz is right there in the mix. Anything can happen. We’re one move away from making very crucial decisions for the better of Deontay’s career.
For Deontay not to fight between now and December, the compensation that Deontay would need to receive would have to be extremely high because once again he’s a businessman, he doesn’t sit around and wait.
So, if he considers sitting around and waiting, then he will have to be compensated, and he will have to be compensated very, very well, because that means he’s putting a lot of opportunities on hold, putting his legacy on hold, and to do that you have to compensate a man like Deontay.”
Scott’s wishes are understandable considering the lack of activity from the knockout-artist, who has fought just two minutes and fifty-seven seconds since his loss to Tyson Fury back in October 2021.