Deontay Wilder in the wilderness with low-key comeback fight

No heavyweight fighter in recent years has been more over-hyped than Deontay Wilder. With boxing skills that were nearly non-existent, he made a great name for himself by taking the WBC Heavyweight title - the only title that anyone really cares about if we are honest - and sitting on it for five years. Following a long list of nobodies and has-beens, the first real threat that Wilder faced, Tyson Fury, completely dismantled him. That turned into a sad trilogy in which Wilder looked less and less like a threat before his run at the top of the game came to a shuddering halt at the hands of Joseph Parker who put on a boxing masterclass and Zhilei Zhang who out-punched the famed puncher.

Now, the 39-year-old Wilder is preparing for a return to the ring in April 2025. Reports indicate that Wilder will headline a BLK Prime event, a notable shift from the major networks that once showcased his bouts. Boxing journalist Manouk Akopyan noted, “I’m told @BronzeBomber will return for a comeback fight in April on BLK Prime. Wilder and manager Shelley Finkel will meet with the media in Los Angeles on Saturday to announce the opponent.”

Potential opponents for his April comeback include former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, who has transitioned into professional boxing with mixed results. A matchup between Wilder and Ngannou could generate significant interest, given both their reputations for striking power.

Let us be honest for a second, shall we? Deontay Wilder was never a top-level heavyweight champion. He managed to turn one solitary asset - that powerful right hand - into a career. And for that, you have to tip your hat. He managed to occupy a seat that he never had any business in for half a decade. Kudos.

But even so, it is terrible to see a boxer fall as low as he has. For the first time in his career, this April fight would be the first one that has no prime-television broadcast slot. While Wilder may have puched above his weight in terms of boxing talent, he should have more self respect than to help the media make a joke out of his career. Whoever he fights in April, this is one reporter who will be hoping that the Bronze Bomber can pull off a miracle comeback, if only so that he can go out with his head held high.

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