Deontay Wilder gave his career an adrenaline boost this past weekend, beating Derek Chisora in London to put himself back in the mix at a high level.
Many felt that Wilder, once the long-reigning WBC heavyweight world champion, had given everything he had to the sport. Defeats against Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang in which the American looked unable to land his trademark right hand worried fans, but a spirited performance against Chisora showed there is still plenty of desire.
After knocking the Brit down twice and winning a split decision, Wilder said he intended to ‘clean up the division.’ Speaking to TalkSPORT about a long awaited clash with fellow former champion Anthony Joshua, the knockout artist from Tuscaloosa, Alabama said now was the time.
“Hey baby, now it’s time to shut up or put up. I’m willing, ready and able. A healed Wilder is a dangerous Wilder. I’ll come anywhere in the world to fight.”
The pair of power punchers have been on a long and frustrating parallel run in the division after failing to make an undisputed fight when Wilder held the WBC and Joshua the WBA, WBO and IBF. Another attempt to match them up recently collapsed when Wilder lost to Parker.
Now, with a growing sense of urgency given this is the final chapter of both careers and no real political or ranking obstacles in the way, the clash may be more likely than ever.
Things are rarely that simple in boxing, however, and an injury to Wilder’s hand may be the factor that could block the fight again. Joshua is expected to return towards the end of the summer – likely too soon for Wilder – before targeting another highly-anticipated clash with Tyson Fury.
In terms of other options, Wilder may have also fought himself back into the conversation for a shot at unified champion Oleksandr Usyk. The Ukrainian had previously expressed an interest in the fight – looking to beat every big name from his generation – before instead signing to fight kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven.
