Deontay Wilder faces another delay to his boxing career that will mean a full eighteen months out of action.
Wilder has been missing in action for eleven months already, with predictions his heavyweight career is over making headlines,
Reports that “The Bronze Bomber” will face former world champion Anthony Joshua continue to be pushed. However, according to UK media, AJ is considering another fight in December.
Wilder would be looking at April before a Saudi Arabian blockbuster could happen if this scenario transpires.
When will Deontay Wilder fight again?
Before facing Robert Helenius in October, Wilder had fought twice in almost three years. Wilder’s pro boxing career is in serious jeopardy with only three years left of his stint as a heavyweight puncher. He’s already planning to walk away at 40.
He turned 38 next month.
Stalling on signing to fight Andy Ruiz Jr. in a stipulated WBC mandatory eliminator, Wilder pushed toward Joshua’s advances.
As World Boxing News reported many times, Premier Boxing Champions promoter Al Haymon had worked for years to get Deontay Wilder vs Andy Ruiz over the line.
Wilder diverted to other options with the fight on the verge of being signed. Ruiz then severed ties with Tom Brown, who initially booked the fight.
The whole scenario has turned out to be a mess for Haymon, who remains hopeful the event can be salvaged at some point.
If Wilder vs Joshua does happen, we may see the Alabama Slammer in the boxing ring twice in only four years.
Is retirement close for Wilder?
It’s not ideal and heads towards the notion that Deontay Wilder is on the verge of retirement. If deals don’t go his way, that could happen sooner rather than later.
The fact he doesn’t seem interested in facing anyone but Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, or Joshua doesn’t bode well.
Wilder should take an interim fight to stay busy and sharp for when one of those three does come along.
The Andy Ruiz event would have been perfect for Wilder to remain at the top of his game. If he is out of the ring until Joshua in the spring of next year, he might begin the underdog due to a lack of activity.
Joshua has fought twice this year already, leaving Wilder behind. The American puncher looks to have one foot out of the boxing door after one single win since 2019.
Phil Jay is an experienced boxing news writer.
