The 35-0 puncher will put his green belt on the line against Poland’s Artur Szpilka on January 16 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York after reigniting talks this week.
Wilder had hoped to face Vyacheslav Glazkov or mandatory challenger Alexander Povetkin on the date, although Deas explained that both went in different directions leading to them seeking out Szpilka for further talks.
“Deontay Wilder will fight on Showtime against Artur Szpilka, who is trained by my good friend Ronnie Shields,” stated Deas.
“Artur, who is ranked in the top 12 by the WBC, IBF and WBO is a southpaw, 6’3″ and 230 pounds. This is a big challenge for us.
“Number one-ranked Povetkin said he couldn’t be ready to fight Deontay by January and number three Glazkov said that he will seek the vacant IBF belt rather than fight Deontay.
“We were ready for these challenges, but respect to Szpilka, a top ranked guy who wants to fight.”
Next month’s winner will be expected to strike up immediate negotiations with Povetkin upon the completion of the clash unless a massive unification with the winner of Tyson Fury v Wladimir Klitschko II is in the offing.
