Deontay Wilder says he will continue his boxing career in 2024.
The former WBC heavyweight champion previously suggested he could retire from the sport after suffering an upset loss to Joseph Parker in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.
Wilder lost a wide on the scorecards against ParkerCredit: AFP
A win would’ve set Wilder up for a mega-money clash with Anthony Joshua, but their plans were scuppered when Parker picked up a unanimous decision victory at the Day of Reckoning.
After returning to his hotel room, ‘The Bronze Bomber’ hopped on social media to reflect on a third career defeat and insist his boxing career is not over.
“We came out short tonight,” Wilder said in a video on Instagram.
“You know what, I don’t know what happened, to be honest.
“My timing was off, and I didn’t throw my punches, I didn’t let my hands go like I was supposed to. Sometimes you get like that. But you live to see another fight. You live to see another moment.
“I’m still full of happiness, still full of joy, still full of smiles. Sorry if I let anyone down but we will be back though! That’s the thing about it.
“I thank you so much for the love and support I’ve got out here in Riyadh and from all my fans around the world. I appreciate you so much.
“This is not the end, and I will be back.”
‘The Bronze Bomber’ is disappointed but not disheartenedCredit: @bronzebomber – instagram
Even though he’d lost out on a big money fight with Joshua
Joshua, who beat Otto Wallin in the main event, remains open to the possibility of fighting Wilder – but his promoter, Eddie Hearn, suggested Filip Hrgovic could be next for AJ.
Hrgovic cemented his spot as the mandatory for Oleksandr Usyk’s IBF title by knocking out former David Haye opponent, Mark De Mori, inside one round earlier in the evening.
Joshua’s main goal right now is to become a three-time world champion.
So, he’ll ultimately be targeting the winner of Usyk’s undisputed fight with WBC champion Tyson Fury on February 17 or any of the belts they vacate ahead of a proposed rematch.
