With news of Deontay Wilder’s promotional free agency, could he land with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom sometime soon?
If Hearn has his way, then the answer is yes. The former heavyweight champion who’s known for 42 knockouts in 46 fights recently revealed that he was open to talk to anyone in the business of boxing.
Hearn – who’s had a rocky relationship with Wilder in the past, albeit through the media – told IFL TV he would absolutely be approaching the American heavyweight with a proposal.
“Absolutely. We’d love to. I would love to make Deontay Wilder against Andy Ruiz. I think it’s a great fight, it’s been ordered, and we’d love to try and make it happen … Free agent. There you go.”
Wilder versus Ruiz was ordered by the WBC back in November of 2022, with the winner then in line for a shot at Tyson Fury’s title belt.
After some reluctance on team Wilder’s part, they are finally willing to go ahead with the bout that has fans worldwide intrigued.
It was previously assumed that since both men are under the PBC banner, it would be made and promoted by the American company and broadcast on Showtime as all of their fights are. Wilder’s recent comments, though, suggest differently.
The knockout-artist from Alabama is looking to get back to the very top of the division, where he reigned for five years before a couple of punishing losses to Fury.
Ruiz – another former champion, but for a much shorter period of time – represents a worthy matchup for Wilder should he want to prove to fans he’s ready to challenge for his old belt.
A future fight with Anthony Joshua, promoted by Hearn, would also be high up on the list of fans, and perhaps easier to make should the proposed partnership above become a reality.