Deontay Wilder’s future has been the subject of constant speculation since his comeback win over the summer. One of the most circulated rumors placed the ‘Bronze Bomber’ in a crossover clash against former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in 2025.
However, Wilder’s long-time advisor, Shelly Finkel, has moved to shut the door firmly on that possibility.
Speaking exclusively to World Boxing News, Finkel ended any lingering hopes of seeing Wilder share a ring with the Cameroonian powerhouse in the coming months.
Wilder vs Ngannou ruled out
“Deontay Wilder will not be facing Francis Ngannou in 2025,” Finkel told worldboxingnews.com. “That fight is not happening this year.”
Asked about a deal extension with Global Combat Collective, who hosted his stoppage of Tyrrell Herndon, for his next event, Finkel added, “Deontay doesn’t have a deal with anyone.”
The blunt confirmation immediately ends weeks of whispers linking the pair. The narrative had gained traction after Ngannou’s competitive boxing outings against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, as well as Wilder’s struggles to regain his footing in the sport.
Instead, Finkel’s words confirm that Wilder’s path forward will steer away from novelty matchups and back toward traditional boxing challenges.
With his career at a crossroads, questions now turn to what options remain for the former WBC heavyweight champion.
WBN understands Wilder is weighing up his next warm-up before heading back to the elite level. One thing that is not on the agenda is retirement.
Wilder is building to a massive fight in 2026
As one of the most feared punchers in heavyweight history, Wilder has more to give the sport before he walks away for good.
Previously, Finkel informed WBN that Wilder wants one of two potential foes, hopefully in a final world title bout.
“The plan is for Deontay to have another fight before the end of this year,” Finkel exclusively told World Boxing News. “After that, we will be looking for a big fight in 2026.
“We’d be looking at a fight with Anthony Joshua or Usyk, something like that,”
There’s no reason why that ‘big fight in 2026’ couldn’t be Ngannou, but for now it’s off the menu.
Ngannou, meanwhile, is still being courted by major promoters in both boxing and MMA.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.