Deontay Wilder returns to the ring for the first time since October 2022 this month, and it appears he was given some options as to his dance partner.
The American knockout artist dealt with Robert Helenius in one round back then – an impressive finish but not, many feel, ideal for activity given that it has been his only action since a second loss to Tyson Fury a year prior.
Now, Wilder is ready to return to the heavyweight scene, and will do so against fellow former world champion Joseph Parker on December 23.
Speaking to Boxing Social, Martin Bakole’s trainer, Billy Nelson, said it was going to be a tough night for Parker.
“Listen, I’d love Joseph Parker to win that fight. I just think it’s a very hard fight for him, isn’t it? He has freakish power for 16 stone.”
Asked about the potential of a fight between Wilder and his man Bakole, Nelson revealed that they were initially offered the fight but the American ultimately picked Parker.
“I got offered it. I was offered it. And we said yes, but he’s obviously selected Joseph Parker.”
Bakole has been called the most avoided heavyweight in the division, and he believes it’s down to him getting the better of most of his contemporaries in sparring.
He impressed on the first Riyadh Season card, brutalising and stopping the ever-tough Carlos Takam. It was said that the boxing businessmen in Saudi were impressed with the performance and are keen for him to feature on future shows.
Whilst that won’t be the Day of Reckoning card on December 23, there’s a good chance the Congolese heavyweight fighting out of Scotland will be a part of the event topped by the undisputed clash between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk on February 17.
It’s unlikely to be Wilder in the other corner, because a win over Parker will set up a long-awaited showdown with Anthony Joshua.