Deontay Wilder has renewed hope of a return to big-time boxing following a string of defeats that derailed his career.
The former WBC heavyweight champion, who reigned for five long years, hasn’t held a title since 2020 and has lost four of his last five bouts. Before being knocked out by Tyson Fury in their Las Vegas rematch, Wilder’s record read 42-0-1 with 41 KOs.
Fury began a decline unseen in the heavyweight division by a world titleholder in some years. A trilogy stoppage against ‘The Gypsy King’ was followed up by a one-sided Joseph Parker decision and Zhilei Zhang obliterating the American slugger with one punch.
Wilder did manage to record a one-round wipeout of Robert Helenius between the foursome. However, it’s insufficient to keep the soon-to-be 39-year-old in contention for another shot.
Fresh hope has come in the fashion of an old rival, though. Anthony Joshua, who fights on September 21 for the IBF championship, will give Wilder a crack at the red strap if he can dethrone compatriot Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium.
Joshua made the surprising offer as he promoted the DAZN PPV event ahead of fight week, which kicks off on Monday. ‘AJ’ says if Wilder wants to trade blows, he is more than willing to sign on the dotted line.
“The fight could still happen. For me, why not? I’ve always said it’s not a big deal for me. Strip away the bright lights and the trash talk. It’s only a fight. So yeah, I’d fight Wilder,” Joshua said.
Eyebrows were immediately raised at Joshua’s intentions to fight a challenger in such poor form after walking away from Wilder talks in 2018. For Wilder, the opportunity to become a two-time top-division king would be too hard to turn down. He would, however, have to get back in the win column first to gain an IBF ranking.
A win over any of the following can set Wilder up for the chance. Agit Kabayel, Efe Ajagba, Derek Chisora, Otto Wallin, and Justis Huni would all allow Wilder to become the voluntary contender for the IBF belt.
Chisora has already called out Wilder and is looking for an opponent for what the Londoner has promised will be his last fight. Wilder could get a significant lifeline if that UK clash comes to fruition.
A win over Chisora for Wilder would place the Joshua grudge match on the table for the first half of 2025.
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
