Deontay Wilder Seeks WBA Title in Comeback Bid

Former heavyweight champion looks to regain championship glory after loss to Tyson Fury

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:28pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the chaotic action of a heavyweight boxing match, with sharp geometric shapes and planes of muted colors representing the intensity and uncertainty of Deontay Wilder's comeback bid.Wilder's return to the ring shatters the heavyweight division, opening new paths to redemption.Los Angeles Today

Former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder is eyeing a shot at the WBA title as part of his comeback efforts after losing his belt to Tyson Fury. Wilder recently scored a split decision victory over Derek Chisora, which has positioned him as the IBF's number 2 contender and opened up potential title opportunities against WBA Regular champion Murat Gassiev.

Why it matters

Wilder's comeback bid is a captivating narrative in the complex heavyweight boxing landscape. After losing his WBC title to Fury in a dramatic fashion, Wilder is determined to prove his worth and regain championship glory. His victory over Chisora has reignited his title aspirations, and the potential to challenge for the WBA title adds an extra layer of intrigue to the heavyweight division's title picture.

The details

Wilder's victory over Chisora was a hard-fought split decision, showcasing his continued skills and determination to compete at the highest level. This win has earned him the IBF's number 2 contender ranking, putting him in prime position to challenge for a world title. Promoter Al Siesta has offered Wilder a shot at WBA Regular champion Murat Gassiev, which would provide a direct path to becoming a two-time titleholder. However, the complex dynamics between the WBA's 'Regular' and 'Super' champions add an extra layer of complexity to Wilder's title pursuit.

  • Wilder defeated Derek Chisora in a split decision victory on April 8, 2026.
  • Wilder is now the IBF's number 2 contender as a result of his victory over Chisora.

The players

Deontay Wilder

A former WBC heavyweight champion who is seeking to regain a world title as part of his comeback efforts after losing to Tyson Fury.

Murat Gassiev

The current WBA Regular heavyweight champion, who has offered Wilder a title shot.

Oleksandr Usyk

The unified heavyweight champion, whose upcoming bout with Rico Verhoeven could impact the title picture and create opportunities for Wilder.

Derek Chisora

A heavyweight boxer whom Wilder defeated in a split decision victory, earning him the IBF's number 2 contender ranking.

Al Siesta

The promoter of WBA Regular heavyweight champion Murat Gassiev, who has offered Wilder a title shot.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

If Oleksandr Usyk vacates or is stripped of the WBA title, the 'Regular' title held by Murat Gassiev could become a more attractive proposition for Wilder, who has been offered a shot at that championship.

The takeaway

Deontay Wilder's comeback bid is a captivating narrative in the complex heavyweight boxing landscape. His victory over Derek Chisora has reignited his title aspirations, and the potential to challenge for the WBA title adds an extra layer of intrigue to the heavyweight division's title picture. Wilder's journey serves as a reminder that setbacks are not permanent, and the path to the top is rarely linear.