Deontay Wilder has received a new challenge with his comeback imminent.
The 'Bronze Bomber' is expected to face Zhilei Zhang in June as he looks to bounce back from a shock defeat to Joseph Parker♔, and will not be short of options if he returns to winning ways.
2
One of those is American prospect Jared Anderson, who Wilder's former foe Tyson Fury🅠 has tipped to reach the pinnacle of the division and become the next world champion.
ꦏAnderson, who takes on Ryad Merhy on April 13, believes his domestic counterpart would be no match for him.
ꩵ"I respect Deontay," he said. "I think he has one hell of a punch.
"But he can't beat me, and I'm just going to leave it at that. I'm too much of a well-rounded boxer, and I'm going to beat him in great fashion.
Read More In Boxing
“The biggest thing they've been telling me is to stay the course and continue to try to get better every day.
"So that when they do pop up with that big name to put me on the map for the world to see, that I am 100-percent ready, and that I don't have to get ready."
💧Anderson has 16 wins since starting his undefeated professional career, with his most notable victory coming against former world champion Charles Martin in June 2023.
The 'Real Big Baby' sparred with Fury for his showdown with Dillian Whyte in April, and the 'Gypsy King' was seriously impressed with the rising star.
Most read in Boxing
2
He tipped Anderson as the 'heir to the throne', and it will be words that will inspire Anderson to move on to big things.
𝓡A test with Wilder would be the sternest test yet of his career, but could be realistic in the new mix of heavyweight talent competing in Saudi Arabia.
🦩Adam Caterall believes Francis Ngannou should fight Deontay Wilder next after his upcoming bout with Anthony Joshua
The 38-year-old looks in brilliant shape🅰 in training, and his coach Malik Scott believes his fighter has one last hoorah in the division.
Wilder looked lacklustre in his unanimous decision defeat🦋 to Parker in December 2023, and was quizzed about potential retirement.
But his coach Scott even bizarrely put the loss down✨ to his use of recreational drug Ayahuasca in the build-up to the contest.
💝It is last chance saloon for the former WBC champion, but a win could see him thrust into contention for world titles again.
Wilder was expected to meet Anthony Joshuaꦅ in a huge encounter this year, but the fight was jeopardised by his loss.
ᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚHe still has one eye on a clash with AJ and a win over Zhang could see him once again stake his claim to a mega-fight.
🐎Meanwhile, Anderson will be keen to prove Fury right, and has even suggested he plans to make a rapid journey to the top before potentially retiring early.
Boxing WhatsApp channel
🎶Get the latest fight news, reaction and the best opinion from talkSPORT pundits in our
Follow our Boxing channel
Topics