Deontay Wilder plans to keep boxing for another decade. The 39-year-old heavyweight says he feels rejuvenated and ready for a new chapter in his career.
Wilder started boxing at 21 and quickly became known for his knockout power. But his recent record has been shaky, with just two wins in his last six fights.
The "Bronze Bomber" hit a turning point after losing to Zhilei Zhang in June 2024. He bounced back with a stunning knockout win over Tyrrell Herndon.
Wilder told Ariel Helwani:
"It allowed me to restart my career. I feel rejuvenated, as if I'm just starting out. Am I going to fully commit to it or not? I've got 10 years left to do what I've got to do, to enjoy this little moment while I'm here, and I'm going to have a great time doing it."
The heavyweight champ doesn't think age will slow him down. He points out that heavyweights often have longer careers than smaller fighters.
"In the heavyweights we tend to last a little longer. We don't take as much damage as the smaller guys, and the division is not so saturated. Age is what it is, but it doesn't define how we feel. Some young people feel old, some older people feel young. I'm ready to start this new chapter."
Wilder also has his eye on a potential clash with Francis Ngannou. The former UFC champ has lost his first two pro boxing matches against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
"I'm interested, of course I am ... Ngannou is a knockout artist, just like me. Those kind of fights are the ones that excite. It would be a war."
Many fans see a Wilder-Ngannou fight as potentially the most explosive matchup outside of title fights. Both men pack serious power and love to swing for the fences.
With a renewed focus and big fights on the horizon, Wilder seems poised to make the most of his next 10 years in boxing.
