Deontay Wilder’s future remains one of the most debated topics in heavyweight boxing. After returning to winning ways this summer, speculation quickly centered on a blockbuster crossover with Francis Ngannou.
The former UFC champion has been heavily linked to a ring meeting with the ‘Bronze Bomber’ in 2025. However, Wilder’s long-time advisor, Shelly Finkel, has told World Boxing News the fight is not on the table this year.
“Deontay Wilder will not be facing Francis Ngannou in 2025,” Finkel confirmed exclusively to WBN. “That fight is not happening this year.”
The admission ends weeks of rumors suggesting Wilder could be the next high-profile name to test Ngannou after his battles with Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. But crucially, Finkel did not close the door beyond 2025, leaving hope for a future showdown.
Wilder eyes elite test in 2026
Pressed on Wilder’s next step, Finkel made clear that the former WBC heavyweight champion remains a free agent.
“Deontay doesn’t have a deal with anyone,” he told WBN when asked about Global Combat Collective, the platform that staged Wilder’s comeback stoppage of Tyrrell Herndon.
Instead of Ngannou, the focus for Wilder is to continue his rebuild, with one more fight penciled in before the end of the year. After that, the target is clear: another career-defining event in 2026.
“The plan is for Deontay to have another fight before the end of this year,” Finkel said. “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.”
That ‘big fight’ tag keeps Ngannou firmly in the frame. While not a traditional world title opponent, the Cameroonian powerhouse remains one of the most marketable names in the sport and could yet find himself across the ring from Wilder in 2026.
Ngannou is still in play
With Wilder rebuilding momentum and looking toward one final huge stage, the timing may yet align for Ngannou next year. For now, Wilder will stick to pure boxing challenges in 2025.
The prospect of one of the sport’s hardest-ever hitters trading bombs with the MMA icon in 2026 remains very much alive.
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.