Deontay Wilder requested for an exemption from the bridgerweight division, which successfully would rule out a problem towards Lawrence Okolie.
As World Boxing Information first reported, present World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaiman informed WBN he would approve a struggle between Okolie and Wilder for the 224-pound title. Since then, Okolie has accepted the provide regardless of Wilder’s radio silence.
WBN additionally requested Shelly Finkel for his ideas on Wilder transferring down in weight, solely to be met with one other brick wall as a consequence of “The Bronze Bomber” taking day trip of the game following two losses.
It’s unknown if Wilder will return to the game or retire, even with the bonus of a attainable two-weight world title alternative. The 38-year-old has private points to take care of first earlier than considering one other struggle.
Nevertheless, as World Boxing Information has identified Wilder for years, the American slugger will not be normally one to alter his thoughts. He’s already informed Brian Custer on his Final Stand Podcast that he by no means wished to be thought-about for bridgerweight within the first place.
“My profession is to be a heavyweight. That’s what I bought in it for, and that’s what I’m going to finish with,” Wilder adamantly informed Custer earlier than stating bigger heavyweights holding benefits over him has by no means been a difficulty.
“Guys at all times outweigh me. So placing on weight will not be a troublesome half for me. My energy makes up for all that,” he added.
Might Deontay Wilder struggle at bridgerweight?
Solely Wilder is aware of whether or not his mindset has been altered following defeats to Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang. Nevertheless, he initially said that bridgerweight wasn’t for him when the WBC created the burden class and an eighteenth boxing division.
“I’ve an excessive amount of energy for a weight class that low. I needs to be exempt from that [bridgerweight division],” said Wilder.
Attributable to his present kind, many would argue that’s not the case for Deontay Wilder and that he ought to take into account the transfer. If Wilder does struggle at heavyweight once more, even towards a lesser-known contender, he’s not assured to be the favourite.
Three battles with Tyson Fury actually impacted Wilder’s present state. He had hoped to extend his profession till age 40, however the consensus is that the one means for the Tuscaloosa native to do this is to maneuver down in weight.
Wilder beating Okolie, additionally a substantial puncher, could be a troublesome ask in the UK to turn out to be a champion once more. Nevertheless, if Wilder pulled it off, it will not be out of the realm of actuality to imagine that the ex-WBC king may reignite curiosity in an encounter with rival Anthony Joshua.
Learn all articles and unique interviews by Phil Jay. Study extra in regards to the writer, skilled boxing author, and World Boxing Information Editor since 2010. Observe on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
