Deontay Wilder could target Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk winner, says manager
If the American’s rival Tyson Fury stays retired, there could be an opening in the heavyweight title picture
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Deontay Wilder is planning his return to the ring and could target the winner of Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk’s rematch, according to the American’s co-manager Shelly Finkel.
Wilder last fought in October, when he suffered a second consecutive stoppage loss to Tyson Fury, failing to regain the WBC heavyweight title from the Briton in the process.
Prior to his trilogy against Fury, which began with a controversial draw in 2018, Wilder had never been beaten as a professional. Following his most recent clash with the “Gypsy King”, Wilder played down rumours that he would retire, and the 36-year-old is now plotting his next move.
“Maybe the winner of Usyk and Joshua,” Finkel told Planet Sport when asked whom Wilder could fight next.
“I don’t know what Fury is doing; maybe if Joshua wins it’s a huge fight in the UK [between those two]. There’s so many intangibles, so we’re looking to see what happens in [Usyk vs Joshua 2].”
Joshua, who was outpointed by Usyk in September, will attempt to regain the WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO heavyweight belts from the unbeaten Ukrainian on 20 August, and a clash between the victor of that rematch and WBC champion Fury appeals to most fans.
Fury, however, has claimed to be retired – despite the fact that the 33-year-old has not yet vacated his title.
“I don’t care what Fury says, we’re waiting to see what he really wants to do,” said Finkel, “because if he wants to fight the winner then he’s going to get it. But after that, where are the top guys? There’s only four real top guys in the heavyweights right now: Usyk, Joshua, Fury and Deontay.”
Following Derek Chisora’s split-decision win against Kubrat Pulev on Saturday, the Briton called out Wilder.
Finkel played down the chances of Wilder fighting Chisora, though, saying: “Derek Chisora? He just edged a split-decision over Kubrat Pulev. No way.
“I’m looking at everything, and we’re going to be making our decision, but we’re not there [yet]. We’ve gotten several calls – I don’t know how real they are – from outside of the US and the UK, and we’re checking those out. Then if any of those are real, that’ll dictate another opponent.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments