Deontay Wilder is set to return to the boxing ring against Tyrrell Herndon in his comeback fight, but a recent interview has fans wondering what Wilder might be like in the octagon.
‘The Bronze Bomber’ has had a poor past few years, and is seeking a comeback victory over 24-5 Tyrrell Herndon, who lost to Efe Ajagba, to get his name back in the mix in the heavyweight division.
Wilder has one win in the last six years, which came against Robert Helenius in a one-round blitz. He’s lost recently to Joseph Parker in a shut-out decision, and Zhilei Zhang by KO.
Fans are left questioning what Wilder has left in combat sports, especially after Wilder discussed a move to MMA in a recent interview.
Deontay Wilder teases move to MMA ahead of boxing comeback
In an interview with Ariel Helwani and Ade Oladipo, Wilder, whose 32-KO streak was broken by Bermane Stiverne, spoke on his recent setbacks:
“Many times I have said I was good but maybe had a little doubt. […] Things got so crazy in my life that it altered my mindset and I lost confidence in myself. […] I never had hate in my heart, but now I do.”
The Alabama knockout-artist also spoke on a potential move to MMA:
“If it’s a 4oz glove or something like that I’m all in. I ain’t going bare-knuckle. You put the 4oz on, you gonna have to sign a lot of other different contracts.”
Wilder also said a fight with Anthony Joshua is still top of his list, and is getting close.
“Ngannou would fold his clothes with Wilder still in them”… Fans brand MMA move a ridiculous idea for Deontay Wilder
Following the interview, fans were quick to make their thoughts known, with many highly opposed to Wilder making a move to MMA after his recent losses, and at the age of 39:
“At this point retire man, hate seeing my favorite fighters keep fighting way past their prime.”
“He’d get crushed if he put on them gloves… No defense in boxing correlates to no defense in MMA.”
Though in the minority, there were a small few who believed Wilder has what it takes to find success in the sport, with one writing:
“If Wilder trains techniques day and night for a decent period of time, he’s dangerous.”
Wilder did once meet Francis Ngannou, but it is unlikely the pair will ever face off in the octagon. The ring, though, is perhaps more likely, if Wilder’s career continues past his fight with Herndon.