Deontay Wilder has found himself in prime position with the WBA in their latest heavyweight rankings.
The hard-hitting American was last in the ring in October of 2022 – a first round stoppage of Finland’s Robert Helenius to add to his substantial highlight reel.
Despite nothing having changed since and no fight scheduled, he has leap-frogged Martin Bakole and found himself at number one for the World Boxing Association’s March update.
Bakole – who recently inked a promotional pact with BOXXER and Sky Sports – is next out on April 22 against undefeated Ukrainian, Ihor Shevadzutskyi.
The number one ranking for Wilder – who is now directly behind Regular champion, Daniel Dubois – conveniently comes at a time where he is being linked to a fight with the Super champion, Oleksandr Usyk.
Usyk – who also holds the WBO and IBF belts – recently pulled out of negotiations with WBC champion, Tyson Fury, for an undisputed fight. He now intends to fulfil his mandatory obligations, starting with Dubois.
There has been speculation that the Ukrainian will instead pursue a bigger money fight with Wilder, although his team remain adamant that Dubois, provided he is injury free as his promoter says, will be next.
Wilder, who held the WBC belt for half a decade before losing twice to Fury, also remains number one with that sanctioning body.
Whatever way fans look at it, the Alabama slammer is placed very well to be challenging for a world title imminently. He is currently in training with fight news teased to come soon.
Other movement in the WBA’s rankings include Jarrell Miller, who finds himself inside the top 10 after a victory over Lucas Browne, and Anthony Joshua, who has moved up one place to third ranked contender, one behind Bakole.