What’s next for Deontay Wilder?

Deontay Wilder, once a dominant force in the heavyweight division, has faced significant challenges in recent years. Following his trilogy with Tyson Fury, which concluded in October 2021, Wilder has struggled to regain his former standing. His recent bouts have resulted in four losses out of his last five fights, including defeats to Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang. 

Despite these setbacks, Wilder, now 39, is reportedly planning a comeback in early 2025. An announcement is anticipated soon, with his manager, Shelley Finkel, expected to provide details. 

The prospect of retirement has been a topic of discussion. Tyson Fury, Wilder’s former rival, has publicly suggested that Wilder should consider hanging up his gloves, citing the toll their intense trilogy may have taken on him. However, Wilder’s trainer, Malik Scott, has indicated that Wilder intends to continue his career after taking time to rest and focus on personal matters. 

Looking ahead, several potential opponents have been mentioned for Wilder’s return. One possibility is a bout with Curtis Harper, an American journeyman known for his controversial 2018 walkout. Reports suggest that Harper has accepted an offer to fight Wilder, with the match expected to take place in April. 

Another intriguing possibility is a crossover fight with former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. Despite Ngannou’s mixed results in boxing, including a narrow loss to Tyson Fury and a knockout defeat by Anthony Joshua, a matchup between Wilder and Ngannou could generate significant interest. Wilder has expressed openness to this potential bout, leaving the door open for future negotiations. 

Additionally, a long-anticipated clash with Anthony Joshua remains a topic of speculation. Turki Alalshikh has shown interest in arranging a fight between Joshua and Wilder, especially in light of Tyson Fury’s retirement. Such a matchup would undoubtedly captivate boxing fans worldwide and rake in huge figures as a ‘last dance’ from the pair who have both struggled in recent years. 

As Wilder prepares for his return, the boxing community awaits further announcements regarding his next move. Whether he faces Harper, Ngannou, Joshua, or another contender, Wilder’s comeback will be closely watched, as fans and analysts assess his ability to reclaim his position in the heavyweight division.