Yet to book his return since his skid-snapping win earlier this summer, former world champion Deontay Wilder seems to have huge plans for the next year.
Returning to the ring back in June, former undisputed WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder stopped Tyrrell Anthony Herndon at a lowly event in Wichita, scoring a knockout win in the seventh round.
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And returning to winning ways after a stoppage loss to Zhilei Zhang and a decision defeat to Joseph Parker in his win over Herndon, Wilder has been urged to book some lucrative fights in his comeback to the ring.
Most notably, a potential crossover showdown has been mooted in recent times — a pairing which could hit our screens as soon as next year.
Deontay Wilder weighs up 2026 fight with Francis Ngannou
Linked heavily with a return to the ring later this year, Tuscaloosa knockout star Wilder has been mentioned continually in the same circles as former undisputed UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.
Having twice plied his trade in the ring in losing efforts to both Tyson Fury and former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, Cameroonian star Ngannou has been urged to take on another star of that generation in the form of Wilder.
And as far as his manager Shelly Finkel is concerned, former WBC kingpin Wilder has no reservations about fighting Ngannou in a potentially lucrative outing — as soon as next year, in fact.
“Deontay (Wilder) would be open to that fight [with Francis Ngannou] next year,” Finkel told Sky Sports.
But to boot, another super fight from that same generation has been called for in recent days by a whole host of fans.
Fans urged Anthony Joshua to finally fight Francis Ngannou
Left without a dance partner as he targets a new-year comeback, former two-time gold holder Joshua has been urged by fans to finally book a long-anticipated clash with Wilder.
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Losing out on a potential return against Jake Paul in a heavyweight showdown, Joshua must now lie in wait as the Ohio native returns to the ring to take on WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis as soon as November in an exhibition clash.
But all is not lost for Joshua, too, with a potential grudge match against the above-mentioned Fury targeted by Matchroom Boxing boss Eddie Hearn for a blockbuster 2026 as well.