Deontay Wilder, 36, to fight THIS YEAR as ex-champ refuses to retire following brutal Tyson Fury trilogy
DEONTAY WILDER is in line to fight again THIS YEAR – refusing to entertain retirement.
The former WBC champion has not returned since defeat to Tyson Fury in their epic Las Vegas trilogy bout last October.
Wilder would go on to recover in silence as he questioned his future in the sport.
But when attending the life-size statue revealing of himself in Alabama, the heavyweight star confirmed he WILL fight on.
And now SunSport understands that Wilder’s team expect the famed knockout artist to make his comeback before the end of the year.
The American, 36, suffered consecutive defeats to Fury, 33, which left his career in doubt.
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But after being honoured with a statue at Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports, Wilder announced plans to continue fighting.
He said: “I can’t stop right now. I must continue with my journey. I love you guys so much. I can’t end it like this.
“This journey’s not over with. I must continue my journey.”
Wilder underwent hand surgery following his 11th round KO loss to Fury, where he scored two knockdowns but was floored three times himself.
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Soon after, his co-promoter Shelly Finkel named Anthony Joshua, 32, as a key target for their return in 2022.
Wilder joins the Premier Boxing Champions stable with Andy Ruiz Jr, 32, while also sharing a long-standing rivalry with Dillian Whyte, 34.
The Bronze Bomber is yet to be seen publicly training again but did recently release his debut song, Everytime, featuring his brother Marsellos.