Deontay Wilder Aims for Major Comeback with Potential Showdown in 2026

Deontay Wilder’s Comeback

Deontay Wilder, the former heavyweight champion of the world, is gearing up for a significant comeback in his boxing career after notching a victory against Tyrrell Herndon in June. This win, which took place at the Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, Kansas, marked the end of a disappointing streak of two straight losses, including defeats by Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang.

Future Plans

In an exclusive insight provided to World Boxing News by Wilder’s manager, Shelly Finkel, plans are firmly set for Wilder to fight again before the year concludes. This forthcoming match is seen as a pivotal step that could lead to a major bout in 2026 against either Anthony Joshua or Oleksandr Usyk, both giants of the division.

“The plan is for Deontay to have another fight before the end of this year. After that, we will be looking for a big fight in 2026.”

When pressed about what this ambitious future matchup entails, Finkel confirmed that a showdown with Joshua or Usyk is on the horizon, contingent upon the outcome of Wilder’s next fight.

Potential Matchups

While rumors swirl around potential matchups — such as a fight with Jarrell Miller slated for September — Finkel remained noncommittal about specific opponents. He did not entertain speculation surrounding Wilder’s decision to pass on an opportunity to face Miller during Canelo vs Crawford fight week.

Wilder’s Legacy

Wilder’s recent dominant win over Herndon, his first taste of victory in over three years, rejuvenates his quest to cement his legacy in the sport. Anticipation is building for Wilder’s next bout, which Finkel indicated will be a crucial warm-up for a high-stakes clash potentially against Joshua or Usyk come 2026.

The heavyweight division is always evolving, and with Wilder’s impressive return to form, it’s clear that he is back in the mix of boxing’s biggest events. Fans can expect a gradual increase in the caliber of opponents leading to a definitive challenge in the spring or summer of 2026.

Conclusion

In this dynamic landscape of heavyweight boxing, Wilder’s future looks promising as he aims to leave a lasting mark on the sport that has captivated audiences worldwide.