STWF Sports | Dec. 23, 2025 – Deontay Wilder has never lacked belief, and at 40 years old, the former WBC heavyweight champion insists that time is not about to slow him down. In fact, Wilder claims his boxing journey is far from over, revealing plans to continue fighting for another decade as he chases one final run at the top of the heavyweight division.

Wilder, who turned professional in 2008 after winning a bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics, has been a central figure in boxing’s heavyweight landscape for more than 15 years. From his unforgettable trilogy with Tyson Fury to high-profile bouts against the likes of Joseph Parker, “The Bronze Bomber” has built a career defined by drama, power, and knockout artistry.

Now, as negotiations reportedly take place for a potential clash with undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, Wilder has made it clear he is not viewing this opportunity as a last roll of the dice.

“I’ve got like ten years left, baby. I’m only 40 years young,” Wilder told Boxing Scene. “That’s the thing about age. People don’t understand it, and they’ve got to get it together.

“Age can define you if you allow it to—your movement, your activity, all of that. But if you stay active, no matter what age you are, you’re still going to be able to move. You’re still going to be able to do a lot of things.”

Defying the heavyweight clock

In a division where fighters often extend their careers longer than in the lower weights, Wilder believes mindset matters as much as mileage. He rejected the notion that turning 40 automatically signals decline.

“It’s only when you die inside and allow age to overcome you,” he said. “When you start thinking, ‘Oh s***, I’m 40 years old, I’m old.’ No, hell no.”

That defiant outlook has been a constant throughout Wilder’s career. Even after setbacks, he has remained convinced that his most dangerous weapon—his right hand—has not lost its potency.

A résumé built on power

Few heavyweights in boxing history can match Wilder’s knockout record. Of his 44 professional victories, 43 have come inside the distance, a statistic that underlines why he remains a dangerous proposition for anyone in the division.

After racing to a 32-fight unbeaten streak, Wilder became the first American heavyweight champion since 2007 when he dethroned Bermane Stiverne to claim the WBC title in 2015. He went on to make 10 successful defenses, cementing his status as one of the era’s most feared punchers.

That reign came to an end in 2020, when Tyson Fury stopped Wilder in their rematch. Since that first defeat, Wilder has gone 2–3, a stretch that included two more losses to Fury and a points defeat to Parker. Still, Wilder maintains that raw power—the great equalizer in heavyweight boxing—does not fade easily.

Usyk and unfinished business

The possibility of a fight with Oleksandr Usyk represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Usyk’s movement, stamina, and technical brilliance have frustrated larger heavyweights, but Wilder’s one-punch knockout threat offers a unique stylistic danger.

While no deal has been finalized, Wilder’s name being mentioned in connection with the reigning champion signals that he remains relevant at the elite level.

Beyond Usyk, Wilder has also teased a potential tune-up bout that would excite fans on both sides of the Atlantic.

Chisora showdown on the horizon?

Wilder revealed that Derek Chisora could be next, possibly serving as a warm-up fight in early 2026. The idea gained traction after the two shared a heated face-off at the 2025 IBA Men’s Boxing World Championship.

“Derek Chisora, you want it, you can get it,” Wilder said. “That might be my warm-up fight. I’ll see what people think about that.

“We were supposed to fight years ago, and I got into some legal trouble and couldn’t travel. It was meant to happen and it didn’t. Now this opportunity means it can happen.”

One last chapter—or many more?

Fighting into his late 40s would be a bold ambition, even in a division known for longevity. But Wilder is not approaching this stage as a farewell tour. He believes his power, confidence, and hunger can still carry him to the biggest nights in boxing.

Whether a title shot materializes or not, Wilder’s message is unmistakable: retirement is nowhere near his vocabulary. For a heavyweight who has built a career on defying expectations and ending fights with a single punch, counting him out has never been wise—and at 40, Deontay Wilder insists the story is far from finished.