Deontay Wilder has announced that it’s time to return to the ring, and it’s believed he’ll announce an opponent imminently.
The heavyweight from Alabama held the WBC title for half a decade before being bested by Tyson Fury twice in a row.
The losses – whilst hard to take for Wilder – haven’t changed the fact that he’s considered one of the most dangerous and explosive punchers the sport has perhaps ever seen.
He took to Instagram this week to announce that it was time to fight again.
“I have been enjoying family, life, and all that it brings, but now it’s time to return to the ring.”
Alongside the message was a picture of Wilder after his October 2022 Robert Helenius victory – the last time fans saw him in the ring.
Blink and it could’ve been missed though. It took the heavyweight from Alabama all of the three minutes to win and remind the division of why he poses such a threat.
Prior to that, ‘The Bronze Bomber’ was last competing against Tyson Fury all the way back in 2021. It’s this gap that will have any potential opponent believing that they can expose some ring rust if they can stay away from his right hand.
On that subject, the former champion remains tight-lipped, with many names floating around. The most likely remains Andy Ruiz Jr. It was a bout ordered by the WBC in November of last year and would put the winner next in line for a shot at the belt currently held by Fury, formerly by Wilder himself.
There’s a bigger money option, though, that would capture combat sports fans worldwide but not necessarily do much for a second title bid. Francis Ngannou – recently heavyweight champion in the UFC – has been in positive talks with Wilder to make an entry into boxing.
Whilst the MMA star has also targeted Anthony Joshua and Fury, this one seems the most likely.
There’s also a potential bout with Dillian Whyte – currently without a next opponent – that has been brewing for years.
In short, announcing his free agency means Wilder could land anyone in the opposite corner – fans will just hope it doesn’t take too long for him to announce who it is.