Deontay Wilder‘s dreams of becoming a two-time world heavyweight champion seemed to end via a Zhilei Zhang right hand this month.

The hard-hitting heavyweight from Alabama once struck fear into his opponents but has most recently looked gun-shy. It was evident that fans weren’t seeing the Wilder of old against a resurgent Joseph Parker earlier this year, but that points loss pales in comparison to the conclusive Zhang knockout.

With those two losses making it only one win in the last five fights, most in the sport believe it’s time for ‘The Bronze Bomber’ to hang up the gloves. Should he do so, he will still go down in heavyweight history as one of the biggest punchers ever and with an impressive five year run as WBC Champion.

That’s not to say there aren’t options for the 38-year-old. In fact, it’s with that sanctioning body he has been offered a lifeline, albeit one division down.

Lawrence Okolie recently captured the WBC Bridgerweight title – boxing’s latest division that sits between cruiser and heavy with a limit of 224lbs. Wilder sits comfortably underneath that, having weighed in at around 214 for his last three.

Okolie, who was previously champion at cruiserweight, offered the fight to the American via Seconds Out.

“If he wants to keep boxing then it’s probably worth boxing at Bridgerweight against maybe the WBC Bridgerweight world champion. That would be a great fight.

People still want to see Wilder because it’s Wilder and despite him getting stopped like that you can see he still has power and athleticism. I’d welcome that fight.”

Okolie has long made it clear that he is destined for heavyweight and a former world champion would be a nice addition to his resume.

Wilder has not announced an official decision on his next move yet and is currently preoccupied with legal issues outside of the ring.