Former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder has faced a series of personal and professional challenges in recent years, but he remains determined to make a triumphant return to the ring. In a candid interview with TMZ, Wilder opened up about his injury struggles, the betrayals he has endured, and his unwavering ambition to reclaim his place at the top of the boxing world.
Wilder's Unwavering Determination to Bounce Back
Overcoming Injury and Setbacks
Deontay Wilder's road to recovery has been a long and arduous one. The former champion revealed that he had been dealing with a broken arm and torn shoulders for months, unaware of the extent of his injuries. "I broke my arm way back in November sometime and didn't know," Wilder explained. "I had two tears in my shoulders and stuff like that...I just thought it was like old injuries and stuff so I never went and got it checked out." It wasn't until his final therapy session that the full extent of the damage was uncovered, leaving Wilder with a daunting rehabilitation process ahead of him.Despite the physical challenges, Wilder's determination to return to the ring has never wavered. "We still training," he affirmed, showcasing his unwavering commitment to the sport he loves. Wilder's resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to his unwavering spirit and his belief that his best days are still ahead of him.Overcoming Betrayal and Distractions
Wilder's personal life has also been a source of turmoil in recent years, as he has had to navigate a web of betrayals and distractions. "I had a lot of outside distractions that I had to get rid of, a lot of burdens upon me," he revealed. "I took care of a lot of people, man, and it just became to a point where I just couldn't do it no more."The former champion's generosity and willingness to help others has come at a cost, as he has been "betrayed for so many people" over the past five years. "If anybody know about betrayal, it's worse than a heartbreak," Wilder lamented, underscoring the emotional toll these experiences have taken on him.Determined to reclaim his focus and regain control of his life, Wilder has made the difficult decision to distance himself from those who have taken advantage of his kindness. This process of shedding the "burdens" and "distractions" that have weighed him down is a crucial step in Wilder's journey back to the top of the sport.Eyeing a Showdown with Francis Ngannou
As Wilder continues to work towards his boxing comeback, he has expressed interest in a potential showdown with UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. "Even since I been off and stuff like that, there's been a lot of offers coming in, a lot of things, different countries and stuff like that...that's a conversation that I'm still looking to get in there in the mix and talk about," Wilder revealed.The prospect of a cross-over fight between the two heavyweight titans has captured the imagination of fans and pundits alike. Wilder's power and boxing pedigree would be put to the test against Ngannou's devastating knockout power and MMA expertise, making for a truly captivating clash of styles.While the logistics of such a fight would need to be carefully navigated, Wilder's openness to the idea suggests that he is not only focused on reclaiming his place in the boxing world, but also seeking new challenges and opportunities to cement his legacy as one of the sport's all-time greats.