Deontay Wilder Inches Closer To Surprise World Title Shot Following WBA Decision
Deontay Wilder is steadily approaching another shot at heavyweight glory, as a potential path is beginning to unfold for him.
After reigning as the WBC champion for a remarkable five years, Wilder suffered a defeat at the hands of Tyson Fury. This loss, marking their third encounter after a draw in their initial bout, led many to believe that Wilder might contemplate retirement.
However, he ultimately chose to continue his boxing career, and in October, he demonstrated his power by knocking out Robert Helenius with just three punches in the first round.
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| Photo: Instagram/Deontay Wilder, famously known as "The Bronze Bomber," successfully held the prestigious WBC belt for an impressive period of five years until his remarkable journey was abruptly halted by the formidable Tyson Fury. |
In a surprising turn of events, Wilder was elevated to the number one position in the WBA rankings in April, surpassing Martin Bakole and trailing closely behind the reigning champion and mandatory challenger, Daniel Dubois.
While much of the recent discussion surrounding Wilder has revolved around a highly anticipated fight with Anthony Joshua later this year, there are reports suggesting that if Dubois decides against participating in the upcoming purse bid to face Usyk or is unable to do so, Wilder will step in as the mandatory challenger.
On May 25, a process will determine the promoter for Usyk's defense, which will also put the WBO and IBF titles on the line. Under normal circumstances, there would be no speculation about a fighter withdrawing from a world title opportunity.
However, the WBA's decision comes amidst growing rumors of Dubois parting ways with his trainer, Shane McGuigan. If this separation is confirmed, it is not unreasonable to consider the possibility that a new trainer might advise the 25-year-old Dubois to take a learning fight before pursuing the title shot.
With the chance to compete for the unified titles, there is a question of whether Wilder would be enticed to forgo the highly anticipated "AJ" fight, which promises to be a career-defining payday.
These developments add further complexity to an already stagnant division, causing more uncertainty and speculation about the future of the heavyweight landscape.
Read Next: Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou Joins PFL, Signs Game-Changing Contract
Source: Boxing Social
While much of the recent discussion surrounding Wilder has revolved around a highly anticipated fight with Anthony Joshua later this year, there are reports suggesting that if Dubois decides against participating in the upcoming purse bid to face Usyk or is unable to do so, Wilder will step in as the mandatory challenger.
On May 25, a process will determine the promoter for Usyk's defense, which will also put the WBO and IBF titles on the line. Under normal circumstances, there would be no speculation about a fighter withdrawing from a world title opportunity.
However, the WBA's decision comes amidst growing rumors of Dubois parting ways with his trainer, Shane McGuigan. If this separation is confirmed, it is not unreasonable to consider the possibility that a new trainer might advise the 25-year-old Dubois to take a learning fight before pursuing the title shot.
With the chance to compete for the unified titles, there is a question of whether Wilder would be enticed to forgo the highly anticipated "AJ" fight, which promises to be a career-defining payday.
These developments add further complexity to an already stagnant division, causing more uncertainty and speculation about the future of the heavyweight landscape.
Read Next: Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou Joins PFL, Signs Game-Changing Contract
Source: Boxing Social
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