For a man who was once the most dangerous man in heavyweight boxing, Deontay Wilder has been knocked down a peg or two over his past few fights.
Four defeats in five fights has left ‘The Bronze Bomber’ at a bit of a crossroads in his career.
Losing two fights to Tyson Fury was one thing, but the subsequent defeats to Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang have resulted in questions around the future for Wilder.
The knockout defeat to Zhang was especially damaging as Wilder was seen as a coup for Matchroom Boxing in their 5v5 against Queensbury Promotions.
Still regarded as one of the hardest hitters in the game, not many are sure what’s next for the man from Alabama.
Deontay Wilder was called out by Lawrence Okolie a couple of months back, but that doesn’t seem to be on hands since Okolie vacated his title belt.
But it seems that another heavyweight champion is happy to give Wilder a shot.
Due to the name value that Deontay Wilder still has, he’s still a get as an opponent for most boxers.
Kevin Lerena is the man who took the World Boxing Council (WBC) bridgerweight title after it was vacated by Lawrence Okolie.
And it seems that the South African southpaw is willing to keep that title opportunity open for Wilder if he wants it.
Speaking to World Boxing News, Lerena extends an opportunity in the path of Deontay Wilder.
“I’ve always been keen to fight Wilder,” Lerena said.
“He was one of the most feared heavyweights for a very long time. Wilder is someone I respect a lot, but it’s my time, and I fear no man.
“Look, I know Wilder didn’t lose in a positive way [against Parker or Zhang], but having said that, this is heavyweight boxing. These things can happen, but he will always be seen as a dangerous, spiteful puncher no matter what!
“I’d be more than happy to give Wilder the opportunity to face me if he’s willing to make the move down”.
This doesn’t seem to be all talk either.
Kevin Lerena confirms that although no official communication has taken place between the two sides, he’s at least aired the conversation from himself to others.
“There hasn’t been any contact with Wilder’s team as far as I know, not as of yet anyway, but I did mention it to Spencer Brown, and it’s a fight I would take next.
“If not Wilder, then a massive fight for the bridgerweight world title would be [cruiserweight champion at 200 pounds] Jai Opetaia and me. I think he’s a class boxer, but I’m a fighter, so it makes for a good scrap!
“I hope to be back in the ring around December or probably early in the new year, so there’s plenty of time to talk to Wilder, Opetaia, or anyone else for a massive fight”.
It seems as if the ball is firmly in Wilder’s court if he wishes to accept the opportunity.
At the very least, we know that there is willing from one side to make it happen.
It just remains to be seen what Deontay Wilder and his team want to do next at this stage of his career.
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