Deontay Wilder‘s career is on the ropes following two back-to-back losses in Saudi Arabia.

The former long-reigning WBC Heavyweight Champion came up short on points to Joseph Parker before being knocked out by Zhilei Zhang. On both occasions, he looked uncharacteristically gun-shy.

Wilder himself had confirmed pre-Zhang fight that retirement was an option should he lose. Others in the sport, including heavyweight legend Lennox Lewis, have now urged him to hang up the gloves.

That is not the plan, with trainer Malik Scott recently confirming to Genting Casino that his man will fight on.

“He’ll be back. Deontay will fight again. He still has a bright future in boxing, especially at the high level. Losses happen in boxing, even to the greatest fighters. Right now, he’s doing very well; recovering, enjoying life, and heavily involved in real estate and investing. He just had a great vacation with his kids. Life is good for him.”

Scott was asked about potential opponents in Anthony Joshua, Derek Chisora and Francis Ngannou – all three of which he said were on the table.

“They are still mega fights. The AJ [fight] Maybe doesn’t have the same juice it once did, but it would still sell out any arena or stadium. Just seeing those two in the ring would be a joy for the fans. If Ngannou keeps doing what he’s doing and still wants that fight, it could be huge as well. I’m proud of Deontay. He’s still in a position to make these big fights happen.”

One fight which is not, however, is an offer from WBC Bridgerweight Champion Lawrence Okolie, who told Seconds Out he would welcome the knockout artist from Alabama into the division with a title shot.

“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.”

Despite the offer to become a two-weight world champion, Wilder’s manager Shelly Finkel politely but clearly declined the offer via World Boxing News, confirming any return will be at heavyweight.

“Please thank Lawrence Okolie for the offer, but we have no interest in the WBC bridgerweight title.”

Fans are yet to hear from ‘The Bronze Bomber’ himself on his ring return. As for the biggest possible match, a Joshua fight that recently seemed dead in the water has become realistic once more.