Deontay Wilder plans to step back into the ring this April. The former heavyweight champ from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, will face Curtis 'The Hurt' Harper as he tries to get his career back on track.
Wilder, now 39, held the WBC World Heavyweight title for nearly five years until 2020. He knocked out almost everyone he faced during that time. But things changed when he lost to Tyson Fury, first by stoppage and then again in their third fight.
After those losses, Wilder took some time off. He came back strong with a quick knockout of Robert Helenius, his old sparring partner. But then he hit another rough patch.
Joseph Parker beat Wilder in a surprise win. Many people thought Wilder didn't fight well in that match. Then Zhilei Zhang knocked him out, leading some to call for Wilder to retire.
But 'The Bronze Bomber' isn't done yet. He's signed with BLK Prime and will fight Curtis Harper in April. Harper, 36, from Jacksonville, Florida, has a record of 18 wins and 11 losses since he started boxing in 2010.
Harper has had his share of tough moments in the ring. Zhang stopped him in a previous fight. In 2018, Harper made headlines when he left the ring as soon as the bell rang for his fight with Ede Ajagba. That unusual event got a lot of attention. Recently, Harper has won his last four fights by stoppage, but against less skilled opponents.
You can check out Harper's full record on BoxRec. The fight with Wilder looks like a chance for the former champ to build back his confidence.
Wilder doesn't have much time left to compete at the top level. This fight could show if he still has what it takes to be a force in the heavyweight division. Fans will watch closely to see if the 'Bronze Bomber' can bring back the knockout power that made him famous.
