Deontay Wilder seems to be on the cusp of a super fight return to the ring, and he is closing in on one opponent in particular.
A former WBC heavyweight champion, veteran knockout ace Deontay Wilder recently snapped his two-fight losing run with a return to stoppage fashion earlier this summer.
And now finding himself once more linked to the bigger fights amongst his heavyweight peers, the Tuscaloosa native has been tied to numerous high-profile fights in his return.
Expected to make that comeback at the beginning of next year, Wilder has set his sights on a similarly savage knockout finisher.
Deontay Wilder issues test of power challenge to Francis Ngannou
Forever linked with the biggest fights in the heavyweight ranks, whether that be against Anthony Joshua or even undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk, Wilder seems to be circling in on a showdown with former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.
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And called out notably by the Cameroonian in recent weeks, Wilder has responded once more to the challenge of a super fight, urging the Batié native to test his power in the ring in a sensational cross-over pairing.
“Francis (Ngannou), let’s get it on, baby,” Wilder told Ariel Helwani. “If you’re serious about what you’re saying — for I am serious about what I’m saying.
“Let’s get it on once and for all,” Wilder continued. “Your power against my power. Let’s test it out, baby. If you’re down, I’m down. We can go to the motherland, too, baby. Africa! Let’s go.”
This latest response from Wilder comes on the back of a recent cryptic reply from the Alabama star — who has also been linked to an overdue showdown with the above-mentioned Joshua.
Anthony Joshua urged to finally fight Deontay Wilder
Failing to ever share the ring together during their respective title runs at heavyweight, Watford star Joshua never actually scored a fight with Wilder.
However, amid his latest setback against former champion Daniel Dubois a year ago, Joshua has been urged by fans in particular to finally set foot in the ring against the ex-WBC titleholder.
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Notably, Joshua’s longtime promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing has confirmed a 2026 return is likely for the Olympian, against a fighter currently without championship spoils.