Deontay Wilder made a startling admission about his power as the Tuscaloosa native discussed a potential return to the ring.
Wilder smashed Robert Helenius to pieces in October 2022, one year after ending his three-fight saga with Tyson Fury.
Despite promising to be active when unveiling a statue of himself in Alabama last year, “The Bronze Bomber” has only fought once in the twenty months since then.
His career will face a further hold as he participates in a reality TV show called “The Traitors” this fall on Peacock.
Deontay Wilder vows to return
As question marks continue over his ambition approaching his 38th birthday, Wilder still believes he will face all his rivals before retirement at 40.
Wilder says the big fights will happen despite his heavyweight title-chasing career continually stalling since this comeback victory.
“If you’re making money and can’t enjoy it, then people think differently,” Wilder told Frenzee Broadcasting. “So, I’ve had a lot of people throughout my career because of the power I possess.
“Of course, we have to say things. Certain guys have to put out there to make it seem like ‘I’m not running, I’m not a coward, I’m not scared.'”
On Andy Ruiz Jr. and others calling him out in the media, Wilder added: “Of course, their promoters and managers and even themselves would put things out.
“Emotional garbage is thrown, but in reality, they’re scared. I got a lot of guys right now. We could have made great money, but they dodged it.
“They don’t know that I know. They know deep down in their heart who it is. At this moment in time, no one is safe. All the great fights will happen before the end of my career.”
Asked about how he manifests his knockout ability, Wilder confessed that he doesn’t work on it at all.
“I don’t have to lift weights. If I had to fight myself, knowing that I have tremendous power. I don’t even have to exercise [to continue to be powerful],” he admitted.
Who will Wilder fight next?
Several options remain on the table for Wilder once he’s ready to ditch his TV career for a return to the squared circle. Ruiz, of course, is one despite the WBC negating their sanction of an eliminator.
Anthony Joshua is the obvious choice, given that he’s now ranked number two by the WBC. The World Boxing Council could even confirm Wilder vs Josuha as its following final stipulation at the upcoming WBC Convention,
The winner would face Tyson Fury in 2024, or the vacant title could be on the line.
A lot has to happen before then, with Wilder potentially looking at some of those further down the ratings to blow off the cobwebs.
