Deontay Wilder has announced he’s ready to return to the ring with Oleksandr Usyk his next target as he bids to become a two-time heavyweight champion. The former WBC king hasn’t set foot in the ring since his brutal one-punch knockout of old sparring partner Robert Helenius last October.
The Bronze Bomber has used his hiatus to spend time with his family, but has once again got the itch to throw heavy leather. He wrote on Instagram: “I have been enjoying family, life, and all that it brings, but now it’s time to return to the ring.”
It seems now, though, that the American has Usyk in his sights, with the Ukranian’s fight with Tyson Fury seeming unlikely to happen next month.
Boxing fans were counting down the days until April 29 when it appeared Fury and Usyk had managed to strike an agreement. A fight between the pair would unify the heavyweight division. Negotiations between Fury and Usyk had dragged on for months before April 29 was chosen as a date.
But it appears the bout will not go ahead after the duo failed to conclude terms over the purse. Talks have restarted but it is unclear if an agreement will finally be found.
With that news in mind, Wilder’s manager, Shelly Finkel, told Sky Sports News that Wilder is primed and ready to stand in, as she affirmed: “If the Usyk fight is available, Deontay Wilder will take it in a heartbeat.”
Wilder’s announcement of his imminent return comes a matter of days after former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou claimed he’s closing in on a showdown with the American.
During an appearance on The MMA Hour, he said: “Yes, we have had the conversation and at this moment, we’re more closer than with anybody else.”
The Predator said of the potential showdown: “I think somebody will take somebody’s head off. I would just try [for it] not to be mine. I think that’s probably what’s going to happen.”
A long-awaited grudge match with Anthony Joshua – who will be back in action on April 1 against Jermaine Franklin – has also been mooted. And AJ promoter Eddie Hearn is seemingly interested in making the bout, which boxing fans have long wanted to see.
Wilder’s reign as WBC heavyweight king came to an end in February 2020 at the hands of Brit Tyson Fury, who stopped him in the seventh round of their Las Vegas rematch.
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