Deontay Wilder appears to have been offered an opportunity to get his career back on track.
The former WBC world heavyweight champion is coming off back-to-back defeats at the hands of Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang, with his future remaining uncertain as he heads into 2025.
Despite there being a number of calls for ‘The Bronze Bomber’ to walk away from the sport he has confirmed he will return in 2025 and has been offered an immediate chance at redemption and to become a world champion once again.
Speaking to World Boxing News, current WBC world bridgerweight champion Kevin Lerena has offered Wilder a shot at his crown, claiming he is keen on challenging the former world heavyweight champion
“Let’s fight, and the best fight the best!
I’ve always been keen to fight Wilder. He was one of the most feared heavyweights for a very long time. Wilder is someone I respect a lot, but it’s my time, and I fear no man.
I’d be more than happy to give Wilder the opportunity to face me if he’s willing to make the move down. There hasn’t been any contact with Wilder’s team as far as I know, not as of yet anyway, but I did mention it to Spencer Brown, and it’s a fight I would take next.”
Lerena, who is the former IBO world cruiserweight champion, was elevated to WBC bridgerweight champion in October after Lawrence Okolie vacated the title following his move up to heavyweight.
The 32-year-old also challenged Daniel Dubois for WBA ‘regular’ heavyweight title in 2022, flooring the Brit three times before suffering a third round knockout at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
Lerena, who is known as the ‘KO Kid’ is expected to return to the ring in the first half of 2025, as he continues to target an intriguing showdown with ‘The Bronze Bomber’ at some point within the next 12 months.
