Former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder could be set for an unexpected return to the ring, with reports suggesting he may face a surprise opponent who has shared sparring sessions with both Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.
Wilder, 38, has been out of action since suffering a shock defeat to Joseph Parker in December 2023, a loss that left his career hanging in the balance. Once regarded as the most feared puncher in boxing, the American has struggled to regain momentum following his trilogy of high-profile battles with Fury.
Now, whispers in the boxing world indicate that Wilder’s comeback fight could be against an opponent with elite preparation experience, having sparred both Fury — the reigning WBC champion — and Usyk, the current undisputed heavyweight king.
Though no official name has been confirmed, insiders suggest negotiations are ongoing and a deal could be announced before the end of the year.
British veteran Dave Allen, who will be making his ring comeback in a few weeks, will be seriously threatened by knockout champion Arslan Makhmudov.
Allen is poised for another high-profile fight after bouncing back from a contentious defeat to Johnny Fisher with an incredible knockout victory over the former in an instant rematch.
“If Dave Allen beats (Arslan) Makhmudov, he puts himself in line for some huge fights,” Hearn said on the Matchroom Boxing Flash Knockdown podcast.
“I like the Deontay Wilder fight, personally,” Hearn explained. “We’ve reached out to Shelly Finkel (Wilder’s manager) to talk about that, but let’s see what happens on October 11. [against Makhmudov] first.”
