Heavyweight titlist Deontay Wilder (43-2-1, 42 KOs) has stirred the boxing scene by revealing his intentions of stepping back into the ring by August or September this year. In an interview during a recent fight card event at the Professional Fighters League (PFL) in Atlanta, the Alabama native admitted that he is in the process of selecting his next opponent. However, the 'Bronze Bomber' alluded to the complex nature of the boxing industry, stating, “This business is...one of the most difficult businesses around because it’s unstructured. It’s so many different directions business-wise.”
Intriguingly, Wilder hinted at a potential crossover into mixed martial arts. This shift is a part of a speculated two-fight deal with former UFC champion Francis Ngannou (10-3, 7 KOs), who recently inked a contract with the PFL. The contract allows Ngannou to participate in boxing matches outside the organization. Wilder suggested a boxing fight followed by an MMA bout with Ngannou, “I’ve thought about it many a time. You always see the MMA guys crossing over, but you never see the boxers crossing over, so I wanted to make it more interesting for the fans … [I asked Ngannou] How about you come to my backyard and after we handle business I come to yours.”
In another fascinating twist, the Alabama slugger revealed his ongoing consideration of a long-rumored face-off with fellow ex-heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (24-2, 22 KOs). The much-anticipated bout is speculated to take place in December in the Middle East, most likely in Saudi Arabia. Wilder last appeared in the boxing ring last October when he scored a sensational one-round knockout victory over Robert Helenius at Barclays Center, in Brooklyn, New York.
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