Deontay Wilder has received another callout following Andy Ruiz Jr. declaring his interest in a massive Pay Per View.
Frank Sanchez, a highly ranked heavyweight from the Cuban school of superstars, wants to face Wilder in his comeback fight.
Deontay Wilder return
It’s not the first time Sanchez got linked with Wilder, either. WBN speculated that Sanchez, alongside Robert Helenius and Adam Kownacki, would be on a Premier Boxing Champions shortlist of three for the return of the “Bronze Bomber.”
However, with Andy Ruiz Jr. fighting on September 4, Wilder may now be willing to wait to see if the former champion wins. The pair could then fight by the end of the year.
Previously, Sanchez’s manager Mike Borao had announced their intention to chase down the WBC title if Tyson Fury vacates. WBN reported that the World Boxing Council would favor Wilder vs Ruiz Jr. over anyone else for any soon-to-be vacant or interim strap.
Frank Sanchez
Borao told Sky Sports: “Fury is the ultimate salesman. Who knows if Tyson really will retire?
“Either way, I don’t think WBC will jump out and strip him immediately. So I think the Frank question regarding WBC still has time to marinate.
“The WBO route is much more likely for early 2023, in my view. One thing is for sure; Frank Sanchez is well-positioned.
“He could fight for and win a world title in 2023,” he concluded.
So far this year, Deontay Wilder has made contrasting statements on a return to action.
Earlier in the year, when honored in Tuscaloosa, he stated: “I can’t stop right now. I must continue my journey, but I love you guys so much. I can’t end it like this. This journey’s not over, and I must continue my journey. This moment in time, my goodness.”
“Amid this journey, I’m being blessed. It’s not like I’m retired, and it’s been ten, twenty years. This is now that I’m getting my flowers.”
A few weeks later, speaking to Elie Seckbach, Wilder said: “I may come back, I may not. You know, I’m having such a great time outside of the ring.
“You understood that I make more money outside of the ring now. So, this is where I am, and I’ve got a statue. Let’s go!”
Andy Ruiz Jr
Wilder vs Sanchez is an eye-catching fight but maybe another for the future. PBC’ Al Haymon faced obstacles whenever he wanted to put together Wilder and Ruiz. Therefore, if Haymon can do it at the earliest opportunity, it will be this year or the first quarter of next.
The former WBC heavyweight titleholder needs Ruiz to win before giving Haymon the confirmation to make the fight.
Whether an interim WBC or full green belt is on the line will be up to the WBC and Tyson Fury to decipher.
WBN Editor Phil has over ten years of boxing news experience. Follow WBN on Facebook @officialworldboxingnews and Twitter @worldboxingnews.
