Deontay Wilder Next Fight

Deontay Wilder’s decision to return to the ring is official, ending any debate about whether the former world heavyweight champion would fight again.

According to a boxing official with direct knowledge of the plans, both Wilder and Curtis Harper have signed contracts for a showdown slated for April 26 in Atlanta, to be streamed by BLK Prime.

The Ring magazine first reported that Jacksonville-based Harper (18-11, 12 KOs) agreed to meet Wilder, the ex-WBC titleholder who has dropped four of his last five outings. Wilder famously lost his belt to Tyson Fury via seventh-round TKO in 2020, then engaged in the 2021 fight of the year against Fury, getting knocked down three times before being stopped in the 11th round.

The Alabama native rebounded with a knockout of Robert Helenius but then fell to former WBA champion Joseph Parker by decision in December 2023 in Saudi Arabia. Wilder (43-4-1, 42 KOs) ventured back to the Middle East this past June but endured a tougher defeat—a fifth-round stoppage at the hands of China’s Zhilei Zhang.

His manager, Shelly Finkel, says Wilder’s spirit has been bolstered by his recovery from shoulder surgery. The 2008 Olympic bronze medalist and reigning champ from 2015 to 2020 is confident he can rekindle his once-dominant career.

Harper, 36, is perhaps best known for exiting the ring in a 2018 match against Efe Ajagba before a single punch was thrown. After four straight losses to prospects including Richard Torrez Jr. and Guido Vianello, Harper scored four consecutive victories last year—none lasting past the second round. Observers believe his durability could test Wilder’s readiness for a comeback, for however long the fight lasts.

Wilder intended to announce his return at a Saturday press conference in Los Angeles, but the event was canceled due to the devastating wildfires currently impacting Southern California.