Wilder: It’s time for me to come back

Deontay Wilder has announced that he is ready to return to the ring as he hopes to become a two-time heavyweight champion. The former WBC reigning king has not stepped foot in the ring since his brutal one-punch knockout of Robert Helenius last October.

Wilder is using his hiatus to spend time with his family, but apparently wants to get back in the ring. He wrote on Instagram: “I’ve enjoyed my family, life and all that it brings, but now it’s time to get back in the ring.”

 

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Wilder’s announcement of his impending return comes just days after former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou said he was approaching a fight with the American. During an appearance on The MMA Hour, he said, “Yeah, we had the conversation and we’re closer at this point than we’ve ever been.”

Wilder appeared to be set for a clash of former champions with Andy Ruiz Jr. But the bout was thrown into doubt last month when the IBF ordered ex-unified champion Ruiz Jr to face Croatian clubman Filip Hrgovic. Anthony Joshua’s long-awaited return to action on April 1 against Jermaine Franklin was also discussed.

Wilder’s time as WBC heavyweight champion ended in February 2020 when Tyson Fury stopped him in the seventh round of their rematch in Las Vegas.