Deontay Wilder told to stay away from two fighters and warned over heavyweight comeback | Boxing | Sport

Deontay Wilder has been urged to avoid two fighters in particular as he plots his return to the ring. The former world heavyweight champion has not fought since his epic trilogy fight with Tyson Fury last October, which the American lost despite twice sending ‘The Gypsy King’ to the canvas.

Following the defeat, ‘The Bronze Bomber’ dismissed any notion of retirement, although a comeback date – or opponent – is yet to be finalised. Regardless, he’s unlikely to be in the world title picture anytime soon, with the final details of Anthony Joshua’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia currently being finalised.

Despite Fury insisting he’s now retired from the sport, whoever wins that clash will be expected to officially challenge the Manchester man in a long-awaited unification bout. Indeed, Sky pundit Carl Froch had previously warned Joshua that a clash with Wilder represented too big a risk to his title aspirations.

Rumours have been rife of a bout with British fighter Joe Joyce, who is 13-0 in his pro-career so far. But renowned boxing trainer Stephen Edwards has had his say on who Wilder should, or more spefically shouldn’t, be facing next – and he’s warned him off the Olympic silver medalist.