Deontay Wilder’s hotly anticipated return to the ring is expected to arrive in 2025, with the former world heavyweight champion looking to reignite his career.
The 39-year-old comes off a crushing fifth-round stoppage defeat to hard-hitting southpaw Zhilei Zhang, causing fans to question how many fights he has left in the sport.
Before that, ‘The Bronze Bomber’ suffered a punishing 12-round beatdown against Joseph Parker, who now prepares to face IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois on February 22.
But despite his obvious decline in recent years, Deontay Wilder nonetheless remains determined to return to the win column before announcing his retirement.
WBC bridgerweight champion Kevin Lerena calls out Deontay Wilder
Wilder, of course, was once regarded as the most formidable heavyweight on the planet, ending nine defenses of his WBC title inside the distance.
But then, in his rematch with Tyson Fury, the pulverizing puncher proved to be no match for the tenacity of his vastly more skilled and technical opponent.
And while he produced a brave performance in their compelling trilogy, the American’s limitations were once again exposed in a devastating 11th-round knockout defeat.
But still, Wilder has insisted that he will make a sensational comeback next year, despite seemingly being a far cry from his prime.
One fighter who has expressed an interest in taking on the veteran is Kevin Lerena, the reigning WBC bridgerweight champion.
Perhaps best known for his defeat to Dubois back in 2022, Lerena was awarded the full title at 224 lbs after Lawrence Okolie moved up to the land of the giants.
But now, the South African looks to put his trinket on the line against Wilder.
“Let’s fight, and the best fight the best,” Lerena told World Boxing News.
“I’ve always been keen to fight Wilder. He was one of the most feared heavyweights for a very long time. Wilder is someone I respect a lot, but it’s my time, and I fear no man.
“Look, I know Wilder didn’t lose in a positive way [against Parker or Zhang], but having said that, this is heavyweight boxing. These things can happen, but he will always be seen as a dangerous, spiteful puncher no matter what!”
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Deontay Wilder could appear on a Riyadh Season card against Francis Ngannou
While Lerena has now thrown his name into the mix, former UFC champion Francis Ngannou has already been mentioned as a potential opponent for Wilder.
Despite losing to both Fury and Anthony Joshua in his two professional boxing bouts, ‘The Predator’ has since expressed an interest in returning to the ring.
And sure enough, boxing power broker Turki Alalshikh has mentioned the possibility of delivering a showdown between Wilder and Ngannou in 2025 or 2026, telling DAZN that the pair could headline a Riyadh Season card in Africa.