The former holder of the WBC heavyweight belt, who has won all 42 of his career fights except the three against Fury, has not fought a boxing match since his last bout against Fury last October.

- It has been a long journey for me, and now it continues, says Wilder in a press release.

Statue made him return

In the press release, however, it becomes clear that it was not an obvious choice for him to return to the ring.

But a statue in his honor in his hometown of Tuscaloosa made up his mind.

- I have thought so many times whether I should stay away from this industry, or return.

But when I got my statue in my hometown and so many people came there to celebrate with me... It made me feel like I wasn't done, says Deontay Wilder.

MORE BOXING: Here Berlanga bites Angulo (June 13):

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Edgar Berlanga bit Alexis Angulo during boxing match Photo: Twitter