The American has high aspirations as he continues his comeback.
Deontay Wilder secured a split-decision win over Derek Chisora this weekend.
Two judges scored the bout 115–111 and 115–113 in Wilder’s favour, while the third had Chisora ahead 115–112.
By outclassing ‘War’, Wilder delivered his biggest victory of the decade and put himself firmly back in contention at the top level.
Wilder has no intention of stopping there, as he explained to Sky Sports: “As you can see, the heavyweight division is boring again.
“It don’t have no type of authenticity in the character that’s in it.
“I’m authentic. When I speak how I speak, what I say is me.
“The heavyweight division needs me. They need someone with the personality and characteristics of myself.
“You have too many people that try too hard. They try to be people that they’re not.
“Deontay Wilder’s not [like that]. What you see is what you get.”
As he looks to assert his dominance over the division, let’s take a look at five most likely opponents for the 40-year-old…
Anthony Joshua
A showdown between Wilder and Joshua has been floated after nearly every fight they’ve had in recent years, yet it has repeatedly failed to materialise.
The matchup was once again hinted at following Wilder’s defeat to Zhilei Zhang in 2024.
But instead of facing Joshua, the American went on to take on Tyrrell Herndon.
This weekend, however, Joshua was in attendance at London’s O2 Arena, once again catching the attention of his long-time rival.
After his victory over Chisora, Wilder made it clear he’s ready to finally turn a blockbuster heavyweight clash with Joshua into reality.
During his post-fight press conference, he said: “It wasn’t an exchange. I mean, it wasn’t a few words.
“I dapped it up with him and said, ‘Now let’s get it on’.
“It was as simple as that.
“I’m ready for whoever. As long as these guys [are] in the heavyweight division, I’m here.
“You can call me ‘Mr Clean’, because I want to clean up the whole division.
“The heavyweight division is nothing without Deontay Wilder, the character that I bring, the things that I say.
“What other fighter do you know makes things go viral from the things they say from different interviews and stuff? I don’t know, not one.
“With that being said, you need that type of character, somebody that’s real, somebody that’s passionate about what he says and unapologetic for what he says, because I feel what I say and I mean what I say.”
Oleksandr Usyk
As recently as the start of this year, Wilder was linked with a high-profile clash against undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Talks were underway for the American to face Usyk, but when the bout failed to materialise, he instead confirmed a fight with Chisora.
Although the Ukrainian’s current plans suggest Wilder is no longer a priority, that stance could quickly change in light of this latest result.
Before defeating Chisora, Wilder told Sky Sports: “I’m most definitely one win away [from fighting Usyk].
“I hear a lot of things. I don’t keep up with too much.
“I hear he wants to fight me, and then all of a sudden he doesn’t want to fight me.
“You really don’t know what to believe when you’re in the business of boxing.
“He’s one of the best in the era. I do need him to accomplish what I need to accomplish.”
Moses Itauma
Itauma has been making a steady ascent up the ranks ever since he exploded onto the professional ranks in 2023.
But the 21-year-old has yet to face an opponent that can hand him a defeat.
A challenge that Wilder may now be tempted to rise to.
After beating Chisora, Wilder said: “I’m in the heavyweight division, all these other characters are in the heavyweight division.
“Why not? I’m not dodging anyone.
“I’m a veteran in the game. I’m looking forward to fighting any and all, especially if the fans want to see it.
“I didn’t know who Moses was, but I saw some of his highlights, and I saw his last fight against Franklin.
“Hell of a KO.
“He seems like a potential champion, so why not test him out?”
In March, the heavyweight prospect delivered a destructive fifth-round stoppage of Jermaine Franklin.
The Briton is expected to return to the ring in July, according to promoter Frank Warren, but a showdown with Wilder could also be on the horizon.
Andy Ruiz
Ruiz was last seen in action drawing with Jarrell Miller in 2024, and last August he announced he is preparing to return to the ring.
Upon his return, a fight with Wilder could be on the horizon.
The pair reportedly signed contracts in 2024 for a showdown, but the fight never materialised.
Since then, they have met in person, and speculation around a potential meeting has continued to build.
Ahead of Derek Chisora vs Deontay Wilder, Ruiz told www.casino.org: “I already told Eddie Hearn that it would be an honour to fight either of them.
“If he makes that fight happen, that would be great. I’d love to fight in London or anywhere in the UK.
“I feel it doesn’t really matter who I’d fight, but with me and Wilder, there’s always been this thing where we’re gonna fight, and then it doesn’t end up happening.
“It feels like we’re just promoting a fight that never happens, so it gets my fans and the people mad.”
Fabio Wardley
WBO heavyweight world champion Wardley is currently preparing to face Daniel Dubois on May 9.
While his immediate focus is on that challenge, a potential bout with Wilder could come into play afterwards if circumstances align.
Deontay Wilder has, meanwhile, sent a clear message that he remains determined to work his way back to the top of the division.
One possible route toward another world title shot could see him square off with Wardley, who has often been compared to the American thanks to his own explosive one-punch knockout power.
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