Former heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder WILL resume his career despite back-to-back defeats by Tyson Fury.
Wilder lost his world title to Fury in their 2020 rematch before he was stopped again in the penultimate round of their trilogy fight last October. The American had remained silent on his future, but has now confirmed he will return to the ring.
Wilder was speaking at the unveiling of a life-size statue of himself in his hometown of Tuscaloosa in Alabama. "This moment of time, my goodness," he said. "In the midst of this journey, I’m being blessed. It’s not like I’m retired and it’s been ten, twenty years. This is now that I’m getting my flowers.
"I can’t stop right now. I must continue with my journey. love you guys so much. I can’t end it like this. This journey’s not over with. I must continue my journey."
Wilder won the WBC heavyweight world title in 2015 when he outpointed Bermane Stiverne before going on to stop his next seven opponents. He then put his belt on the line against Fury for the first time in late 2018 but was fortunate to leave the Los Angeles ring with a draw.
Knockout victories over Dominic Breazeale and Luis Ortiz followed before a change of trainer and a change of tactics saw Fury twice drop Wilder en-route to a seventh-round stoppage. Wilder looked to have lost his chance of revenge when Fury agreed terms for an undisputed fight with Anthony Joshua, but the American took his case to arbitration and won, forcing Fury to agree to a trilogy bout.
Who should Deontay Wilder fight on his return to the ring? Let us know in the comments section below
In one of the most exciting fights in heavyweight history, Wilder was dropped in the third round only to recover to twice send Fury to the canvas in the fourth. But the Brit rallied, dominating his challenger before dropping him again in the 10th and 11th rounds before the fight was waved off.
No date or opponent has been set for Wilder's return but he remains in pole position to challenge for his old belt, should Fury follow through with his promise to retire. The undefeated champion insists his win over Dillian Whyte will be his final fling, but has yet to officially vacate his title.
