Deontay Wilder could soon be presented with a world title opportunity, but only if the relevant champion retains his belt.
The 40-year-old comes off a split decision victory over Derek Chisora, with whom he engaged in a chaotic 12-round battle at London’s O2 Arena earlier this month.
Two knockdowns proved decisive as he triumphed over his fellow veteran, who has since made a U-turn on his retirement promise and demanded a rematch.
Whether their second encounter comes to fruition, it remains to be seen, but Wilder is nonetheless likely to remain in the sport for a little while longer.
In fact, ‘The Bronze Bomber’ could potentially be awarded the opportunity to become a two-time world champion, entering his first title fight since suffering an 11th-round stoppage defeat to Tyson Fury in 2021.
This, however, hinges on a number of factors, including the outcome of Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois, which takes place at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena on May 9.
Should he emerge victorious against Dubois, which is no foregone conclusion, then Wardley would be open to defending his WBO world title against Wilder.
At the same time, though, the 31-year-old has told Fight Hub TV that he would only be interested in facing the American if a potential undisputed showdown with Oleksandr Usyk fails to materialise.
“Of course I would definitely entertain a Deontay Wilder fight. Priority number one is Daniel Dubois, come through that fight and get rid of him then it would be Oleksandr Usyk, that would be my aim but if that fight doesn’t materialise or just isn’t doable, then yeah, third on the list would be Deontay Wilder.”
It remains to be seen whether Usyk, who still holds the WBC, IBF and WBA titles, will entertain a unification fight with the Wardley-Dubois winner after he takes on Rico Verhoeven on May 23.
