The heavyweight division is in a period of change, with many retirements nearing and holes to be filled by up and coming contenders.
Oleksandr Usyk currently holds all four belts, becoming undisputed for a second time last month when he stopped young Daniel Dubois in their rematch. The Ukrainian, with two wins over Dubois, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, has cemented himself as the best of this generation.
Though the likes of Joseph Parker, Martin Bakole and even Moses Itauma are angling to take the belts after Usyk retires, which he himself admits should be after one more fight, former long-reigning WBC Champion Deontay Wilder has also made it clear that he wants to be in the mix.
Following two bruising stoppage losses to Fury and a quick comeback win over Robert Helenius, Wilder was defeated by both Parker and Zhilei Zhang in Saudi Arabia, leaving many in the sport to call for his retirement.
Speaking to The Fighters’ Voice, Wilder laid out the ambition behind his return at 39 years old.
“There were some great moments in time and I’m looking forward to making more history while I’m here. The divisions needs me, for sure. Especially in America. We don’t have too many people in America.
Wilder took the first step on his comeback trail in June, stopping fellow American heavyweight Tyrrell Herndon inside seven rounds. Despite scoring his 43rd knockout win, many felt that ‘The Bronze Bomber’s performance still showed signs that he is too far from his prime to seriously challenge the top dogs.
The KO artist from Alabama says he has a ‘strategic plan’ from now. The next move could be a fight overseas, though an opponent has not been named, before potentially looking to face another former heavyweight champion in Anthony Joshua next year
As for his comments on the American heavyweight scene, he is absolutely correct. Of the big names, only Jarrell Miller appears to be actively looking for a fight – potentially against Wilder – whilst young star Jared Anderson appears unmotivated to return to the ring for now.
