Deontay Wilder’s 4 ideal next opponents after Tyson Fury loss – including AJ

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Deontay Wilder played his part in an all-time heavyweight classic before Tyson Fury knocked him out in the 11th round of their trilogy bout at the weekend.

The Bronze Bomber, 35, may have suffered a second straight loss against Fury, but his stock has almost certainly risen after flooring his arch-rival twice and somehow soaking up a barrage of relentless punishment.

Saturday's thriller in Las Vegas proved one of the greatest heavyweight fights in history, meaning there are plenty of options on the table for Wilder despite the knockout defeat.

When asked if he will fight again, trainer Malik Scott wrote on Instagram: "Hell yeah… he's already talking about the get back.. the dude is a real warrior."

So we've put together a list of four ideal fights for Wilder below, which could come after a routine tune-up bout to restore some confidence early next year.

Anthony Joshua

It remains a source of great frustration that the two didn't lock horns when they had a stranglehold on the heavyweight division in 2018, but a potential showdown between Joshua and Wilder would still be just as fascinating even without any belts on the line.

If AJ fails to win his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk as many are predicting, a make-or-break battle with the Alabama powerhouse may be the perfect next step for both men.

The winner would thrust themselves straight back into the world-title mix, and given they are both susceptible to danger it would be unlikely to disappoint.

Who do you think Deontay Wilder should face next? Let us know in the comments section below.

  • Deontay Wilder 'eyes Anthony Joshua' but needs surgery on broken hand first

Andy Ruiz Jr

With both men operating under the same PBC banner, this fight would be an easy one to make and an intriguing one to watch unfold.

Wilder's clear physical advantages and devastating power would make him the obvious favourite, but Ruiz proved he should never be taken lightly when he sprung that famous upset against Joshua in 2019.

Knocking out the former unified champion would be an impressive statement for Wilder to make, as AJ only managed to beat him on the scorecards.

  • Mike Tyson's stance on Fury's victory over Wilder will delight Gypsy King

Dillian Whyte

Whyte will become the mandatory challenger for Fury's WBC title if he beats Otto Wallin on October 30, but there are no guarantees that the Gypsy King will agree to fight him.

John Fury has urged his son to snub a bout with the Brixton man and set his sights on Usyk, which would likely force him to vacate his title unless the WBC grant a special exception for an undisputed fight.

If he doesn't get his shot at Fury, Whyte could instead settle his long-running feud with Wilder, having exchanged numerous unpleasantries over the years.

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Oleksandr Usyk

Of course, there is no guarantee that Usyk will get past Joshua for a second time when they meet again early next year.

The new heavyweight king is a huge favourite to prevail after his dominant victory last month, yet should AJ avenge his defeat he may not have to honour a similar rematch clause.

Joshua would likely move on and face Fury for the undisputed crown next summer, potentially leaving Usyk to slug it out with Wilder in the boxing equivalent of a third-place playoff match.

A potential meeting between them would be an alluring clash of styles, with Wilder's knockout power up against Usyk's technical mastery.

  • Andy Ruiz
  • Anthony Joshua
  • Deontay Wilder
  • Dillian Whyte
  • Boxing
  • Tyson Fury

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