Deontay Wilder gets a title shot

By Daniel Mukenya

Having lost four of his last five matches, there are questions surrounding Deontay Wilder’s future.

He has lost twice to Tyson Fury and gone on to lose to Joseph Parker (35-3-0.23 KOs) where he was embarrassingly dominated by his opponent and an even worse loss to Zhilei Zhang (27-2-1, 22KOs) where he lost via knockout.

Deontay Wilder (43-4-1, 42 KOs) got the call from Lawrence Okolie a few months ago, but he seemed less interested since Okolie relinquished his title belt.

Due to the value of his name, Deontay Wilder can still get a worthy opponent. He has made quite a name for himself and was one of the most feared heavyweights for a long time. Deontay Wilder is still considered one of the hardest hitters in the game.

Kevin Lerena (30-3-0.14KOs), who took the World Boxing Council (WBC) bridgeweight title after being vacated by Lawrence Okolie, wants to give Wilder a chance.

Lerena offered a shot at Deontay Wilder while speaking to World Boxing News.

“I’ve always been keen to fight Wilder. He has been one of the most feared heavyweights for a long time and I have a lot of respect for him. But it is my time, and I fear no man.” Lerena said.

“I would like to give Wilder the opportunity to meet me if he is willing to make the move. I know he didn’t lose to Parker or Zhang in a positive way, but this is heavyweight boxing. These things happen, but he will always be seen as a dangerous and hateful puncher. Lerena added.

Kevin Lerena confirmed that although there has been no official communication between the two parties yet, he has already broadcast the conversation from himself to others.

“I hope to be back in the ring around December or probably early in the new year, so there is plenty of time to talk to Wilder, Opetaia or whoever before a big fight”

It is now safe to assume that the ball is now in Wilder’s court as it remains to be seen what his team will want to do next at this stage of his career.