Former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder has set his sights on a potential matchup with Francis Ngannou in 2025. Despite recent setbacks in the ring, Wilder’s trainer, Malik Scott, has confirmed that the “Bronze Bomber” is far from hanging up his gloves.
Wilder, known for his devastating knockout power, has faced challenges in the past year, including losses to Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang. These defeats led to widespread speculation about his future in the sport. However, Scott remains optimistic about Wilder’s prospects, stating, “Deontay will fight again. He still has a bright future in boxing, especially at the high level.”
The 37-year-old Alabama native has been taking time to recover and invest in real estate while enjoying life outside the ring. Scott emphasized that Wilder’s reputation and drawing power remain intact, allowing him to still be considered for high-profile bouts.
One such potential matchup is with Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion who has recently transitioned to boxing. Ngannou has already made waves in the sport, facing off against top-tier opponents. A clash between Wilder and Ngannou would undoubtedly generate significant interest among combat sports fans.
Scott commented on the possibility of this matchup, saying, “If Ngannou keeps doing what he’s doing and still wants that fight, it could be huge.” He added that all heavyweight matchups are now competitive, and Wilder is still in a position to make history and earn substantial paydays.
The trainer also hinted at the potential involvement of Saudi Arabian investors in making such a fight a reality. With the growing influence of Middle Eastern promoters in boxing, the landscape for organizing high-profile bouts has changed dramatically.
While a showdown with Ngannou is on the radar, Scott also mentioned that a long-awaited clash with Anthony Joshua remains a possibility. “AJ Maybe doesn’t have the same juice it once did, but it would still sell out any arena or stadium,” Scott remarked.
As Wilder contemplates his next move, the boxing world watches with anticipation. The potential 2025 bout with Ngannou could serve as a significant milestone in both fighters’ careers, blending the worlds of boxing and MMA in a highly anticipated showdown.
For now, Wilder continues to focus on his recovery and business ventures, but his trainer’s comments suggest that the “Bronze Bomber” is far from done in the squared circle. As Scott put it, “Deontay’s still in the realm of big fights, still in a position to make a lot of money and history. He’s very blessed.”