Deontay Wilder makes his return this June and, should he come through that, is a man in high demand.
The former WBC Heavyweight World Champion has been out of the ring since back-to-back losses in Saudi Arabia, first falling short to Joseph Parker on points before being knocked out by Zhilei Zhang.
Wilder did not look his old, dangerous self in the bouts and many felt he may consider retirement at 39-years-old. That was not in his plans, and a comeback fight against Tyrell Herndon in Kansas will, he hopes, be a springboard into some more big heavyweight contests.
Targets include shots at the belts against champions Daniel Dubois and Oleksandr Usyk, who fight to determine an undisputed champion in July, as well as a long-awaited clash with Anthony Joshua.
Another name on Wilder’s list is that or Jarrell Miller, an all-American grudge match that, whilst low profile in comparison to the ‘AJ’ bout, is personal for both men after years of feuding.
Speaking to Bloody Elbow, Wilder detailed just how serious the bad blood is.
“I don’t like him at all. I ain’t gonna say too many things, but this dude has always been a hater of me … He’s always trying to do things or say stupid s**t. That s**t gets old. You’re chasing a man all your life and you’re still in the same position. I’m chasing success, I’m chasing dreams, I’m chasing legacy, I’m chasing iconic moments.
“To answer your question, man, if that time comes and the money is right for that situation, I would love to put him down. Like I told him, he better go get his grave plot paid for by the time I can get him. He better go find it, because I ain’t playing with these folks man. I understand you’ve got to say certain things to try and get a fight, but you got to understand, when they become personal, you can get it at any given time, even when I see you. On sight.”
Miller, well known for failing doping tests ahead of his own scheduled bout with Joshua back in 2019, was last out in a controversial draw with Andy Ruiz Jr – a fight many felt he won.
