Deontay Wilder has clung to his position as a potential WBC heavyweight title challenger by default following a run of defeats by those above him.
“The Bronze Bomber” remains at thirteen in the new WBC Ratings for August despite being unranked with all other sanctioning bodies. Due to his standing as a former WBC ruler with a five-year reign, Wilder continues to be eligible for a voluntary title shot if the champion at the time chooses.
After losses suffered by Jared Anderson, previously rated at five but now fifteenth, and Joe Joyce – who drops out of the list after defeat to Derek Chisora, Wilder moves up from his previous position at fourteen. However, following another defeat to a higher-ranked contender in Arslanbek Makhmudov last weekend, Wilder should conceivably be twelfth.
This position keeps Wilder hanging on to the possibility of being a future opponent for current titleholder Oleksandr Usyk. Should Usyk come through Tyson Fury on December 21, Wilder could be chosen as the Ukrainian’s next foe, provided no mandatory stipulations exist.
Will Deontay Wilder fight again?
It remains unclear if Wilder will even fight again, though. The American slugger suffered two blows to his title hopes against Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang, leaving him in limbo and contemplating his future.
In addition, his family life also went through the wringer this year, and Wilder seems intent on staying out of the limelight for now. World Boxing News recently asked manager Shelly Finkel about a potential move down to bridgerweight to fight Lawrence Okolie, with the New Yorker’s answer pointing to a ring return.
Finkel said that Wilder has no interest in moving down in weight, which could indicate that the 38-year-old is preparing for another crack at the top division.
As he approaches his 39th birthday, Wilder needs to get moving after stating his intention to retire at the end of next year. Wilder previously had no plans to fight past the age of 40 and has to think very carefully about which direction he will take next.
WBC Heavyweight Rankings – August 2024
1 Tyson Fury GB
2 Agit Kabayel Germany [CONTINENTAL AMERICAS]
3 Martin Bakole Congo/GB [NABF]
4 Zhilei Zhang China
5 Efe Ajagba Nigeria/US [SILVER]
6 Bakhodir Jalolov Uzbekistan
7 Frank Sanchez Cuba
8 Fabio Wardley GB [BBBofC/COMM]
9 Arslanbek Makhmudov Canada**
10 Filip Hrgovic Croatia
11 Luis Ortiz Cuba
12 Otto Wallin Sweden
13 Deontay Wilder US
14 Andy Ruiz Mexico/US
15 Jared Anderson
** Will be dropped next month
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
