Deontay Wilder is set to make good on a promised ring return following back-to-back losses I’m Saudi Arabia.
The once long-reigning WBC Heavyweight World Champion was famous for knocking out every man he faced, but his fortunes changes in a second fight with Tyson Fury when he himself lost by stoppage. The Brit would repeat the result in the third fight, leaving Wilder firmly out of the title picture and licking his wounds.
He returned following a period of inactivity with a first round knockout of former sparring partner Robert Helenius only to then sit on the sidelines for over a year again. A return against Joseph Parker saw him lose over the distance and face accusations of losing his ferocity. His next comeback attempt was a worse result still, being stopped in five rounds against towering Chinese southpaw Zhilei Zhang.
Despite admitting he would consider retirement with a defeat, ‘The Bronze Bomber’ recently confirmed that his heavyweight campaign is not over. Now, boxing reporter Manouk Akopyan reports the 39-year-old will return in April with an opponent to be announced this week.
I'm told @BronzeBomber will return for a comeback fight in April on BLK Prime.
Wilder and manager Shelley Finkel will meet with the media in Los Angeles on Saturday to announce the opponent. pic.twitter.com/QFWP1SK18C
— Manouk Akopyan (@ManoukAkopyan) January 6, 2025
BLK Prime – an unlikely platform given Wilder’s recent affiliation with Riyadh Season – previously staged Terence Crawford’s welterweight world title defence against David Avanesyan and is rumoured to be at the helm for Devin Haney’s return in Match.
Talk now turns to who Wilder may face, with a win absolutely necessary should he want to deliver on his promise of ‘the best being yet to come.’ The likes of Jermaine Franklin or Guido Vianello could be considered. Trainer Malik Scott has been clear that three losses in a row would be catastrophic for his charge’s campaign.
