Deontay Wilder is keen to avenge two of the losses in his career before he retires.
Wilder ruled as WBC heavyweight champion from 2015 to 2020, and up to his 40th fight, had knocked out every man he had faced. He is generally regarded as one of the biggest punchers the division has ever seen, but has also proved limited beyond that.
When he came up against Tyson Fury for the first time in 2018, he drew, only to lose the next two matches in their trilogy by KO. Since the third fight in 2021, he has fought five times, losing two and winning three.
Speaking at the post-fight press conference following his latest comeback victory over Derek Chisora, Wilder was asked if he’d like another shot at both Joseph Parker and Zhieli Zhang, who beat him on points and by KO, respectively.
“Most definitely. I wasn’t healed at those times. Right now I am fully healed. A lot of people blame it on Malik Scott. Emanuel Steward could have came out of his grave it wouldn’t have done no justice because I wasn’t healed mentally or physically.
“Nobody knew that I had a shoulder injury. Even in sparring and training I could barely lift my hands. Those fights I shouldn’t have even took, but I’m a warrior. I wanted to see how I would do in certain situations.”
Parker is currently trying to clear his name following a failed drug test, while Zhang is well into his forties and has not fought since he was knocked out by Agit Kabayel in February 2025.
