2024 has started with some good news for the beleaguered Deontay Wilder as the WBA admits a ‘mistake’ and reinstates him into their rankings.
Wilder boxed on December 23 for the first time in almost two years. His performance on the Day of Reckoning card betrayed that lack of activity as he fell to a 12-round points decision loss to Joseph Parker.
Wilder was unable to set himself through the right and was pushed steadily backward by the former WBO champion, who ran out a dominant winner.
His underwhelming performance left many to question whether he will ever fight again, and also to assess whether Tyson Fury’s duo of wins over the American were less impressive as a result.
Following the fight, the famously big puncher, who has knocked out all opponents he has faced bar Fury and Parker, was dropped from the WBA rankings. In a surprise U-turn, the organisation has now admitted they made a mistake and have reinstated him.
In a document published on their own website, he has been reinserted at number 9 along with an explanation.
“Deontay Wilder enters at position No 9 due to activity, record and caliber of opponents. Was taken out of the ratings by mistake.”
Wilder takes the place of Jarrell Miller, who lost on the same night to Daniel Dubois.
“No. 11 Miller goes out of the ratings due to Wilder entrance.”
The same document also drops Hrgovic from the rankings and instates Kubrat Pulev.
“No. 10 Hrgovic goes out of the ratings because he will be named official challenger of another organization. Kubrat Pulev enters at position No. 10 because he will fight vs. Charr on March 30”
Quite who or when he might fight next is unknown but this at least increases the chances of it being against a worthy opponent.