Deontay Wilder confirms boxing return after admitting his 'journey' isn't over
- Joe Hewlett
- 26 May 2022
Wilder says he will return to the ring for the first time since his defeat to Tyson Fury and it is most likely that he will fight later this year, according to a source.
The 'Bronze Bomber' was speaking on Tuesday in his hometown of Tuscaloosa, Alabama during a presentation in his honour.
Wilder was presented with a life-size statue of himself to celebrate what he has achieved inside the boxing ring.
The American made 10 world title defences from 2015 to 2020 and has been involved in a further two against Tyson Fury.
The most recent encounter with Fury was in October 2021 and while Wilder knocked the Brit down twice in the fight, he tasted an eleventh round knockout defeat.
There has been speculation about his next move but the former WBC heavyweight champion announced his intentions to continue fighting.
"I can't stop right now. I must continue with my journey," Wilder humbly stated, prompting raucous cheers from the crowd on hand. "I love you guys so much. I can't end it like this. This journey's not over with. I must continue my journey."
An emotional Wilder also addressed the media at Tuscaloosa River Market - near the location of the statue made of him - and said: "This moment of time, my goodness.
"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."
What next for Wilder?
The 36-year-old has plenty of options and should Fury retire then he is in line to fight for the WBC title once again, according to Mauricio Sulaiman.
The WBC president told Planet Sport: "Wilder is the number one contender and you have Joe Joyce at number two, three is Joseph Parker.
"I believe [Joyce and Parker] are going to have a fight for the WBO interim championship - we've had no confirmation but we will just wait and see what happens. There are some variables playing around there."
Former opponent and champion Bermane Stiverne believes there is only one fight out there for him.
Planet Sport also caught up with former heavyweight world champion Bermane Stiverne and he believes there is only one fight out there for Wilder.
"I think the only fight that's left for him to do moneywise would be Joshua," Stiverne told Planet Sport.
"Other than that, I don't think there's any other fight that would be relevant for him. Also that depends on how
Joshua comes back, if he comes back and beats
Usyk then it's worth it then if not then it's not worth it.
"I take that back, it would be worth it cause both men are coming from a loss so it would be worth it to watch it.
"Other than that I don't see anyone. In my book, Wilder doesn't have anything to prove to anybody. Ever since he got the title from me, he did a great job holding onto the belt for five or six years and today is Tyson Fury's turn."
