At 39-years-old, Deontay Wilder is looking to build off his comeback win with some high match-ups. One potential is against another knockout artist.
Many in the sport called for ‘The Bronze Bomber’ to retire after he was knocked out by Zhilei Zhang in Saudi Arabia. That stoppage came after a decision defeat to Joseph Parker, in which Wilder looked a shadow of his former dangerous self.
Adamant that he has more to give, the huge puncher from Tuscaloosa Alabama had a build-back fight against countryman Tyrell Herndon in June, winning inside seven but failing to inspire.
Wilder is now plotting out his path, and it appears MMA superstar turned boxer Francis Ngannou will play a big part.
Speaking on the Ariel Helwani Show, Wilder continued the back and forth he has with Ngannou.
“Hey, baby. Francis. Let’s get it on. If you’re serious what you’re saying, for I am serious about what I’m saying, let’s get it on once and for all. Your power against my power. Let’s test it out, baby. If you’re down I’m down. We can go to the motherland too, Africa!”
Ngannou appears keen on the match-up and will likely respond in the coming days. He has had just two professional boxing bouts, though they don’t come much bigger.
Making his ring debut in October 2023, the former UFC Heavyweight World Champion surprised viewers when he dropped Tyson Fury and took him the ten-round distance, though he did lose a split decision.
His second outing was something of a reality check – a punishing knockout loss at the hands of Anthony Joshua inside six minutes.
Given where both are in their careers, the Wilder match-up is likely to be welcomed by fans.
