Deontay Wilder (43-4-1, 42 KOs) has been one of the most feared heavyweights on the planet throughout his career. Having lost four out of his last five fights, many doubt “The Bronze Bomber” has anything significant left to offer boxing, however, Wilder is returning on June 27 to face Tyrrell Herndon (24-5, 15 KOs) on a Global Combat Collective card at the Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, Kansas. Ahead of this return, Wilder appeared on the latest Big Fight Weekend podcast with Dan Rafael, where he discussed his right shoulder, issues, retirement talk and his goals for the future.
Deontay Wilder Set for Return and Rubbishes Retirement Talks
Wilder Talks Right Shoulder Problems and Future Goals
Following Wilder’s defeats to Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang, many speculated that “The Bronze Bomber” would retire. When asked by Rafael if he ever considered retirement following these defeats, Wilder said: “Retirement was never, ever, ever in my mind.”
“If you ain’t heard it from my mouth, it’s most likely not true,“ added Wilder. “When I do retire, everyone will know. It will be solid. It will be permanent, and there’s no coming back. I don’t want to be the one that retires, then comes out of retirement then goes back and comes back out of retirement. Boxing can do that to you.”
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Wilder also discussed his long-standing right shoulder problems: “I’ve been dealing with shoulder injuries for the last four years. You gotta keep it to yourself and you just gotta go on with it. You don’t need to complain about certain things – you just gotta live your life with it,” Wilder said.
When asked if the shoulder was now good, Wilder answered with no hesitation: “The shoulders great. The shoulder is great. This is the first time in a long time that I felt this way.”
“I‘m definitely injury-free,“ added Wilder.
To hear the entire Deontay Wilder interview and more from the “Big Fight Weekend Podcast” with Dan Rafael and TJ Rives, click the play button below.
Deontay Wilder Reveals Future Goals Including Anthony Joshua Fight
Towards the end of the interview, Rafael asked Deontay Wilder, if he comes through the Tyrrel Herndon fight what are his goals moving forward: “I’m here to unify the division. All the things (goals) I had coming in, I still want to accomplish that. I don’t avoid the mission just because certain things didn’t go my way.”
While looking ahead to the Herndon fight, Wilder reflected on his journey to now being injury-free and said: “I can say whatever I want. Talk to the other coaches or talk to my sparring partners and get their opinion about it. I can say anything. I know I’ve returned.
“I‘m injury free. I can honestly say that. It’s a great feeling to feel that way. If anybody knows about the shoulder, they know that’s the longest recovery.”
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Discussing potential opponents for the future, Wilder was asked if the Anthony Joshua fight was still the one he wanted if a title fight was unavailable: “Yeah, that’s the number one fight a lot of people would still like to see. It’s surprising to me.”
“If that fight comes about and it’s real, then of course. But I won’t believe it until me and him is in the ring actually face to face,” added Wilder regarding a potential fight against AJ.
“I know I’m ready, I know I’m right. I know I’m back. It’s just time to put the action in,” said Wilder.
