Deontay Wilder will fight again in 2022 despite the former heavyweight champion’s confusion with contrasting statements.
“The Bronze Bomber” recently said he feels “complete” in his life and doesn’t know whether he will return. The statement was a far cry from his Tuscaloosa statue unveiling when he confirmed to the crowd that he would be back in the ring.
Deontay Wilder interview
When explaining why the decision was so tough, Wilder told the PBC Podcast: “I have been doing many great things outside the boxing ring.
“To enjoy my free time, my family to explore certain business adventures and investments.
“Also, getting back into other hobbies and passions that I already had and loved to do. But I didn’t have the time to do it, and I enjoyed my life so much.
“I told my children when I die when the inevitable comes to me, there will be my ashes, my will, and that good old statue. I feel accomplished, and I feel complete.
“They gave me all my bundles of roses, and they set it in stone within a statue, and that’s amazing.
“They can’t take that away from me; they made me a living legend. I still can’t believe it.
“I am on a high, and I think I will be up there till the day I die.”
But weeks later, Wilder’s Bombzquad member Tay Jones made it public that his boss would return in the coming months.
“Yes, it is true,” said Jones. “Deontay Wilder will be fighting again!”
He added: “This year in 2022!”
Wilder comeback options
Wilder has plenty of options. One even got placed on the table on Saturday night.
Derek Chisora defeated Kubrat Pulev via split decision and immediately ordered his promoter, Eddie Hearn, to get him a fight with Wilder.
“I don’t have many left in me, but what I have, I’m going to give all to you guys. In my next couple of fights, I’m on my way out.
“I don’t want any easy fights. I want hard fights. But I told Eddie (Hearn) the other day that if he could get me The Bronze Bomber (Deontay Wilder), I’d be happy.
“I want to fight everybody in my era, win or lose. I just want to fight.”
Ruiz fight
Andy Ruiz Jr. is another that may come further down the line. Former sparring partner Robert Helenius also seems high on everybody’s list.
Adam Kownacki, Charles Martin, and Frank Sanchez would be outside bets to get the call.
At this point, October or November dates would make the most sense for Deontay Wilder.
WBN Editor Phil has over ten years of boxing news experience. Follow WBN on Facebook @officialworldboxingnews and Twitter @worldboxingnews.