GIVEN that the Anthony Joshua fight has slipped from his grasp, at least for the time being, Deontay Wilder is left with the dilemma of what to do next.
Dillian Whyte is an appealing fight, for observers at least, but that match-up has failed to be made plenty of times before – and now Wilder is even more hostile to Whyteโs promoter Eddie Hearn.
Tyson Fury would be the highest profile fight for him, outside of Joshua. Fury, the former heavyweight champion of the world, is easing his way back into boxing after two years out of the sport. He returned in June and has another bout in August in Northern Ireland. Itโs likely it would take some time to arrange and Furyโs backers would be in no hurry to see their man fight overseas.
The obvious choice for Wilder is Dominic Breazeale. Heโs highly ranked with the WBC, apparently the primary mandatory and Wilder and Breazeale have โbeefโ. They clashed in an hotel and there is now hostility between the two, and contempt on Breazealeโs part at least.
โYou would think that he would be more under control when heโs gotten somebody hurt, but heโs almost like a street fighter in there. You get a lot of people making fun of the heavyweight champion of the world,โ Breazeale told Premier Boxing Champions. โYou also have individuals who donโt even know who he is. Thatโs because of the fact that his art is not as honed-in as it should be, if that makes sense.
โIโve paid close attention to Deontayโs last three fights, and Iโve seen a lot more weaknesses than Iโve seen strengths, particularly when he has someone hurt. When you smell blood, youโre supposed to go in for the kill, but his fundamental skills arenโt there and he falls apart.โ
He added, โDeontay has shown me nothing that I go into the gym worrying about. It just seems like Deontay Wilder, time and time again, has been getting lucky to land that right hand because heโs just been lucky to fight guys who havenโt had their chins truly tested.โ