Deontay Wilder continues to wait in the wings for once last shot at the big time, and it could be around the corner, after a former heavyweight world champion announced his interest in a showdown with ‘The Bronze Bomber’.
Wilder was urged to retire by some leading figures in the sport after consecutive defeats to Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang. However, the former long-reigning WBC champion has since reaffirmed his ambitions to regain his belts and face the division’s top operators.
The 40-year-old returned to action in June, halting Tyrrell Herndon after seven rounds of action to score a first victory since 2022, before announcing his aim for activity shortly after.
Yet, rumours of whom Wilder may fight next have since gone quiet and it is now appearing likely that Herndon will represent the Tuscaloosca-based contender’s lone outing of the year.
Nevertheless, as 2026 looms, Wilder has been listed by former unified heavyweight conqueror Andy Ruiz Jr as one of four ideal opponents ahead of his comeback, in an interview with Covers.
“[Oleksandr] Usyk, Tyson Fury, [Anthony] Joshua, and [Deontay] Wilder for sure – four of them. Those are the big names.”
Like Wilder, Ruiz has struggled for activity of late, boxing to a draw with Jarrell Miller in his only outing since 2022 but says he is looking to comeback next year and have another run at the titles.
With both men eyeing up the big time and the big names, Ruiz and Wilder could make for perfect opponents, where the victor would re-enter the heavyweight title picture, whilst the loser would face more calls to hang up the gloves.
