Deontay Wilder's team has turned down a chance to fight for the WBC Bridgerweight title. His manager, Shelly Finkel, made it clear they're not interested in the new weight class.
Wilder's career has hit a rough patch lately. He lost to Joseph Parker in December 2023, getting outboxed over twelve rounds. Things got worse in June 2024 when Zhilei Zhang stopped him in five rounds. Before that fight, Wilder had hinted at retirement if he lost. Since then, he's been quiet about his future in boxing.
The WBC tried to give Wilder a shot at their Bridgerweight title, currently held by Lawrence Okolie. This division has a 224-pound limit, which Wilder has easily made for years as a heavyweight. But Finkel shut down the idea quickly.
Please thank Lawrence Okolie for the offer, but we have no interest in the WBC bridgerweight title.
At 38, Wilder, known as "The Bronze Bomber," still packs a punch that scares most fighters. He's been aiming for a big fight with Anthony Joshua and wants to be a two-time champ. If he decides to keep fighting, he'll have options. But his next fight could be his last chance to stay relevant at the top level.
Okolie, who recently won the Bridgerweight title with a first-round knockout of Lukasz Rozanski in May 2024, might have to look elsewhere for his next fight. He lost his WBO World Cruiserweight title to Chris Billam-Smith before moving up. Now, he might defend his new title before trying his luck at heavyweight.
The Bridgerweight division is still new in boxing. It sits between Cruiserweight and Heavyweight, with a 224-pound limit. But for now, it looks like Wilder won't be part of it.