Speculation around potential matchups has intensified as Paul’s team explores opportunities that could maximize both competitive and commercial impact. Discussions have reportedly included several former champions, indicating that Paul is serious about staying in the spotlight and taking calculated risks.

According to Wilder’s former trainer Malik Scott, Paul’s camp has made its intentions clear. “Jake is dead serious about the Deontay Wilder fight. I’ve been in New York for the Katie Taylor fight and I just met Jake Paul’s partner [Nakisa Bidarian], literally three minutes ago. And the first thing he said was, ‘we’re interested in the Deontay Wilder fight’. They’re just so serious,” Scott told Thunderpick.

Is a Jake Paul vs. Deontay Wilder fight realistic?

Wilder, 39, returned to action in June with a seventh-round stoppage win over Tyrrell Herndon, snapping a recent slump where he had lost four of his previous five fights. Despite his age, Wilder would still likely enter the bout as a strong favourite against Paul, who continues to pursue high-profile opponents to build his boxing legacy.

Though Anthony Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, maintains that a Paul fight remains likely, Joshua has reportedly prioritized a bout with Tony Yoka, with insiders suggesting Yoka has a 90% chance of landing the matchup. This shift in focus leaves Paul with Wilder as a compelling alternative to maintain momentum in the heavyweight spotlight.

Paul’s next move could redefine his trajectory in boxing. Whether the bout with Deontay Wilder materializes or a clash with Anthony Joshua eventually happens, fans can expect another high-stakes, headline-grabbing heavyweight showdown.

This comeback is crucial for Wilder, who aims to prove that he still possesses the knockout power that made him one of the sport’s most feared punchers. Before his setback against Zhang, Wilder suffered a points loss to Joseph Parker in December 2023. His last victory was a first-round knockout of Robert Helenius in 2022.

That win marked his return to form after two devastating losses to Tyson Fury, which not only impacted his record but also cost him the WBC title he had held for an extended period. These back-to-back defeats and his subsequent inactivity led many to wonder whether “The Bronze Bomber” would ever fight again.

However, Wilder’s innate knockout power and his desire to compete have driven him to return. Aiming to rediscover the form that earned him 42 knockouts in 43 wins, Wilder is preparing for the next chapter in his career. And who better to discuss the power of his punches than his arch-rival, Tyson Fury?

Fury on Wilder’s devastating power

In an interview with talkSPORT Boxing, Fury reflected on Wilder’s punching power, initially describing it in four shocking words: “Dynamite in his fists.” He went on to explain how Wilder knocked him down four times, but never managed to knock him out in their trilogy of fights. “If he lands on you, whether it’s round one or round 12, he’s going to knock you down or knock you out,” Fury said, acknowledging the constant danger Wilder poses in every exchange.

Fury also attributed Wilder’s strength to the difference in size and weight. “I think my sheer size and weight have a lot to do with him not being able to knock me out cold. He hits a guy 6ft 3ins and 225lbs, they’re nailed to the canvas. But a guy 6ft 9ins and 277lbs – I think that has a lot to do with it, size matters,” Fury explained, highlighting how body mass affects the ability to absorb Wilder’s punches.

When will Wilder return to fight?

Wilder is scheduled to return to the ring next April to face heavyweight Curtis Harper. The boxing world eagerly awaits the resurgence of “The Bronze Bomber,” hoping to see if he still possesses the explosive power that made him a knockout legend.

One prominent voice weighing in is former heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder. In a recent interview with ES News, Wilder shared his concerns about Crawford’s significant weight jump.

“147 to 168? That’s way too much,” Wilder stated. “Although you can switch from southpaw to orthodox, when you’re touching those guys that are heavier, it’s a different feeling—it’s like you’re a baby. I’m not saying you can’t knock anyone out or punish them, but I think it takes more time. Moving up in weight, the way punches are absorbed is entirely different than with smaller opponents.”

A monumental challenge for Crawford

Since Wilder’s remarks, Crawford has taken a step forward in closing the weight gap by capturing the WBA super welterweight title. However, even with this achievement, a daunting 14-pound difference remains between him and Canelo Alvarez—a disparity that could play a crucial role in the fight’s outcome.

Canelo, known for his relentless punching power and stamina, has established himself as a dominant force in the super middleweight division. Despite suffering two career defeats—both by decision—he has consistently showcased remarkable defense and resilience, solidifying his reputation as one of the toughest competitors in boxing.

Can Crawford defy the odds?

This matchup promises to deliver an electrifying spectacle, but it also represents a monumental challenge for Crawford. To succeed, the Omaha native must showcase extraordinary adaptability and resilience against an opponent of Canelo’s caliber in a higher weight class.

While Wilder’s concerns about the weight disparity are valid, the allure of this fight is impossible to ignore. Pitting two of boxing’s elite talents against each other, this clash of styles and raw power has fans eagerly awaiting what could be one of the sport’s most captivating events.

Evander Holyfield, famously known as “The Real Deal,” has witnessed the evolution of heavyweight boxing firsthand. Drawing from his extensive experience, Holyfield has offered valuable insights into the great fighters of his generation and emerging talents. In a recent interview with Mail Sport Boxing, the former champion expressed his belief that Mike Tyson, at his peak, would have dominated Deontay Wilder.

“Folks, half of you don’t know your history. When it comes to the sport of boxing, let’s face it—you do not know your history. We love Mike Tyson, of course… We love them all. They did a great job. But go back and look up your facts,” Holyfield said. “If you go back, I want somebody to answer this question: How many Hall of Fame fighters did Mike Tyson actually fight?”

“Thank you. Only two. Holyfield beat him twice, and Lennox beat him. Only two. So, what are you all talking about? Now you go back and look up your history! Everybody else was scared. They weren’t any Hall of Famers!” he added.

Holyfield’s remarks have reignited the timeless debate about who would prevail in a hypothetical showdown between these two titans. Tyson, renowned for his speed, agility, and devastating knockout power, was an unstoppable force in his prime. Deontay Wilder, on the other hand, boasts exceptional reach and a right hand that few can rival.

The Experience and Style Factor

Holyfield contends that Tyson’s experience and technical skill would be decisive factors in a matchup against Wilder. While Wilder’s raw power is undeniably impressive, Holyfield believes Tyson’s intelligence and versatility in the ring would give him the edge.

The contrasting fighting styles of Tyson and Wilder add further intrigue to this debate. Tyson was a relentless aggressor, constantly pressuring his opponents and seeking to finish fights with powerful combinations. In contrast, Wilder often keeps his distance, relying on his reach and looking for the perfect moment to land his signature knockout punch. This clash of styles could result in an explosive fight but might also favor one fighter over the other.

Tyson vs. Wilder: An Open Debate

Ultimately, the question of who would win in a match between Tyson and Wilder is one that may never have a definitive answer. Boxing is a sport filled with variables, and while fans will never see these two heavyweights face off in the ring, their legacies remain intertwined with the greatness and excitement that define the sport.

[Watch Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk online in the US on DAZN]

Once again, the world of heavyweight boxing is stirred, reminiscent of the recent clash for the undisputed title between Tyson Fury and Oleksander Usyk, a fight poised to deliver high-caliber action owing to the exceptional quality of the fighters involved.

These contenders not only possess formidable punching power but also exhibit similar fighting styles, relying on precision strikes to outmatch their opponents. Recent defeats for both Deontay Wilder and Zhile Zhang add intrigue to this upcoming bout. With Wilder at 38 and Zhang at 41, this fight could represent their final opportunity to contend for the title.

When will the Deontay Wilder vs Zhilei Zhang fight take place?

The 2024 boxing match between Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang in the heavyweight division will take place this Saturday, June 1 at 7:00 PM (ET).

Deontay Wilder vs Zhilei Zhang: Time by State in the USA

ET: 7:00 PM
CT: 6:00 PM
MT: 5:00 PM
PT: 4:00 PM

How to watch Deontay Wilder vs Zhilei Zhang in the USA

You can watch this 2024 heavyweight boxing fight between Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang on DAZN PPV.

Joshua has the legal right to become Oleksandr Usyk’s rival when he is available and ready to return to the ring. But until then, the British contender needs to be active, that is why he is willing to have an interim fight soon.

AJis a two-time Heavyweight Champion, looking to sit on the throne once more. At 32 years old, he boasts a resumé of 24-2-0 with 22 KOs and has performed a brilliant career so far having faced and beaten Dillian Whyte, Dominic Breazeale, Wladimir Klitschko, Alexander Povetkin, and Andy Ruiz.

Anthony Joshua’s new target: a former World Champion and ferocious fighter

Oleksandr Usyk defeated Joshua to strip him away from his World titles in September 2021, the ones he has recovered in 2019 after losing them for the very first time against Andy Ruiz. With an immediate rematch impossible to happen,AJis aware that he needs a huge fight to keep himself at the Heavyweight division elite.

Joshua could be both a brave fighter and a suicide, as the rival he is looking for is the former Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder:“I think if you said to AJ right now, ‘Who’s your top choice?’ I think he’d probably go for Deontay Wilder. It’s not an interim fight, let’s be honest. One thing’s for sure, he’ll be fighting a top ten heavyweight, a world-ranked heavyweight.“, said Eddie Hearn, AJ promoter,to IFL TV.

In case the Bronze Bomberis not available, Anthony Joshua may have more options to be in shape until Usyk comes back:“We’ve got to look at the opponents. AJ was talking last night about Luis Ortiz, Otto Wallin, a southpaw, the same as Usyk, might make sense,Joe Joyce, even AJ talked about Deontay Wilder“, stated Hearn.

Deontay Wilder, a fearsome Heavyweight puncher

Talking about facing Wilder is talking about bravery. The Alabama puncher is 42-2-1 with a scandalous amount of41 KOs. From 2015 to 2019 he was the holder of the WBC Heavyweight World Title. The only two men capable ofwithstanding its brutal power have beenBermane Stiverne and Tyson Fury.

Even the Gipsy Kinghas defeated him twice in a row, both fights by the way of knockout, Wilder is still the most powerful man ever in the Queen Divisionwith his 93.2% KO ratio in 44 fights held so far. Anthony Joshua is not far away from him with his 87.5% ratio. Undoubtedly, this fight will make sparks fly.

Alvarez started his professional boxing career in 2005, in a bout agreed in the Junior welterweight category. He stopped the scale on 139 lbs: it is important to clarify he was 15 years old. Since then, he has fought on 147 lbs and been a World Champion of the Super welterweight, Middleweight, Super middleweight, and Light heavyweight divisions.

The next step of Canelo’s meteoric route on boxing is getting a World title in a fifth different weight class, a goal just 5 fighters have achieved. His possible victim is Ilunga Makbu, current WBC World Cruiser Champion, in a fight projected to happen in May 2022. After this challenge, could he try luck with the biggest rivals available, such as Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, or Anthony Joshua?

Who suggested Canelo could fight and defeat heavyweight boxers?

Two members of the boxing family stated that the Mexican superstar could have many chances of succeeding in the heaviest weight class. It sounds even crazy but it is true. The first one of Canelo’s supporting voices is Malik Scott, Deontay Wilder’s trainer.

In an interview for ES News,Scott said “I think there are heavyweights Canelo can beat. It depends on what heavyweight is he fighting with. In fact, he spars with Frank Sanchez, a good heavyweight boxer, who has even said the Canelo could compete well in the division“.

And it is precisely the Cuban Flash, Frank Sanchez the second boxing expert that thinks it may not be impossible to see Alvarez even getting a titlein the Heavyweight category. Contextualizing this,Sanchez is a member of Canelo Team and current Eddy Reynoso‘s boxer.

“I have sparred with him and I can tell youwith the utmost confidence that Canelo has heavyweight power. He can handle cruiserweight, and in my opinion, he could be a heavyweight champion if he put his mind to it“, affirmed Sanchez for DAZN News.

Believable or not that is the opinion of members of the boxing community, the ones who have a legitimate experience to know what are they talking about. And it the end, who knows what can happen in the future? After defeating Gennady Golovkin in 2018, it sounded crazy to imagine Canelo being the Unified World Super middleweight Champion,winning the Light heavyweight title against Sergey Kovalev, or even challenging WBC Cruiserweight titleholder.

Fury defends his WBC heavyweight championship againstWilder to finish their trilogy. The path to here was winding, but they will finally put their disagreements to rest. Following a split draw in December 2018, the two fighters faced again in February 2020, with Fury dominating and halting Wilder in the seventh round.

The COVID-19 pandemic halted preparations for a third bout in the summer of 2020, and it looked like the fight would never happen until Fury decided to meet Anthony Joshua to determine the firstheavyweight champion in the four-belt era. However, an arbitrator decided in Wilder’s favor, and he will now get an opportunity to make amends after being humiliated by Fury last year.

Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder: Match Information

Date: Saturday, October 9, 2021
Time:11:00 PM (ET)
Location:T-Mobile Arena, Paradise,Nevada

Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder: Times by State in the US

ET:11:00 PM
CT:10:00 PM
MT:9:00 PM
PT:8:00 PM

Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder: Storylines

This epic battle between these two titans has lasted nearly four years. In 2018, when Wilder was anxious for a huge fight and Fury was starting his recovery from alcoholism, he stepped up to challenge him. In the first encounter, the “Gypsy King” mostly outboxed Wilder, but a pair of knockdowns by the former champion, anda devastating one in Round 12 that Fury miraculously recovered from,earned a split draw on the judges’ scorecards. Then, in February 2020, Fury knocked out Wilder in the seventh round after Wilder’s corner gave up after a series of knockdowns.

How To Watch Or Stream Live Free Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder in the U.S.

The Once and For All trilogyboxing fightbetween Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder, to take place today at T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, will be broadcasted onESPN PPV, ESPN+, Fox Sports in the United States.

Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder: Predictions And Odds

The odds are heavily in favorof Tyson Fury. FanDuel see the English boxer asthe absolute favorite to defend hisWBC and The Ring heavyweight titles, and thus,they have given him -290odds. The American fighter Deontay Wilder, meanwhile, has a +230 odds to cause an upset this weekend and triumph.

* Odds via FanDuel

Fury defends his WBC heavyweight championship againstWilder to finish their trilogy. The path to here was winding, but they will finally put their disagreements to rest. Following a split draw in December 2018, the two fighters faced again in February 2020, with Fury dominating and halting Wilder in the seventh round.

The COVID-19 pandemic halted preparations for a third bout in the summer of 2020, and it looked like the fight would never happen until Fury decided to meet Anthony Joshua to determine the firstheavyweight champion in the four-belt era. However, an arbitrator decided in Wilder’s favor, and he will now get an opportunity to make amends after being humiliated by Fury last year.As the Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder fight is getting closer, let’s take a look at the date, time, andTV channel in the US.

Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder: Date

The Once and For Alllightweightprofessional boxing event between Tyson Fury andDeontay Wilderwill take place on Saturday, October 9, 2021,at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada, the USA.

Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder: Time by State in the US

ET: 11:00 PM
CT: 10:00 PM
MT: 9:00 PM
PT: 8:00 PM

TV Channelin the US to watch Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder for Once and For All

The boxing fight between Tyson Fury andDeontay Wilder.as part of the Once and For All trilogy event will be broadcasted onESPN PPV, ESPN+, Fox Sportsin the United States.