Deontay Wilder‘s career is, like many of his opponents over the years, on the ropes.

The mega-puncher from Alabama reigned supreme as WBC Heavyweight Champion for half a decade, building up a knockout highlight reel like no other before being halted in his tracked by ‘The Gypsy King’, Tyson Fury.

Although they fought to a draw in the first bout, Fury – who felt robbed of a win – left no doubt in the second chapter, absolutely dominating a deer-in-the-headlights Wilder to a seventh round stoppage. The American made the trilogy a close affair but would ultimately suffer the same fate, this time in the eleventh round.

After a quick knockout of Robert Helenius Wilder sat on the sidelines and considered retirement before he was presented with a clear path to face longtime rival Anthony Joshua. Beat Joseph Parker and get the fight, he was told, but the New Zealander boxed him to a near-shutout over twelve rounds.

Wilder promised fans that gun-shy version wouldn’t return when he returned against Zhilei Zhang but did admit he may retire with another defeat. China’s ‘Big Bang’ made him face that decision head on with a fifth round knockout. Wilder dropped to 14th in the WBC rankings, just clinging on.

It has been radio silence since, but that doesn’t mean the opportunity for a comeback isn’t there, and it can be found in the WBC’s Bridgerweight division.

With a weight limit between cruiser and heavy at 224lbs, the 214lbs ‘Bronze Bomber’ could slot comfortably in. Not only that, the current champion Lawrence Okolie told IFL TV it would be ‘his pleasure’ to give Wilder a shot and the sanctioning body’s president has welcomed the idea, saying the WBC ‘would approve.’

As of writing, Wilder is resting and dealing with other issues outside of the ring.