Deontay Wilder may get another chance at world title honours.
The former WBC heavyweight champion has lost his last two fights to Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang respectively and looked a shadow of his former self.
Lawrence Okolie was keen to drag the ‘Bronze Bomber’ to the bridgerweight division for a title fight but after being ordered to face Kevin Lerena he decided to move up to the heavyweight division.
Lerena himself is eager to take on Wilder and fight for the WBC’s Bridgerweight strap.
Speaking to World Boxing News he said:
“I’ve always been keen to fight Wilder.”
“He was one of the most feared heavyweights for a very long time. Wilder is someone I respect a lot, but it’s my time, and I fear no man.
“Look, I know Wilder didn’t lose in a positive way [against Parker or Zhang], but having said that, this is heavyweight boxing. These things can happen, but he will always be seen as a dangerous, spiteful puncher no matter what!
“I’d be more than happy to give Wilder the opportunity to face me if he’s willing to make the move down”.
“There hasn’t been any contact with Wilder’s team as far as I know, not as of yet anyway, but I did mention it to Spencer Brown, and it’s a fight I would take next.
“I hope to be back in the ring around December or probably early in the new year, so there’s plenty of time to talk to Wilder, Opetaia, or anyone else for a massive fight”.
The WBC announced Okolie’s decision to vacate the belt.
They wrote: ‘The WBC has received official confirmation from Bridgerwieght champion Lawrence Okolie that he has decided to relinquish his world Bridgerwieght championship in order to pursue his dream of becoming Heavyweight champion. Consequently Interim champion Kevin Lerena is hereby confirmed as WBC World Bridgerwieght champion.’
