Error code: %{errorCode}
Deontay Wilder explains reasons for long absence from the ring ahead of comeback
Last week, the boxing world learnt that former WBC champion Deontay Wilder's career will continue.
On June 27, 'The Bronze Bomber' will end a 12 month absence from the ring when he takes on Tyrrell Anthony Herndon in Wichita, Kansas.
30% discount sale: UK customers buy a DAZN annual subscription for just £83.99 (from £119.99) to watch over 185 fights per year. That's just £1.61 per week.
Wilder's stock has taken a significant hit in recent years following back-to-back losses to Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang, with some wondering whether his time in the ring had come to an end.
However, in an exclusive interview with DAZN's Ariel x Ade: The Boxing Show, Wilder revealed that he was waiting to be ready both physically and mentally before lacing up the gloves once more.
"We’ve had many opportunities, but we’ve had to get a lot of things out the way like recovery," Wilder said.
"We’ve been doing many different things, staying in shape most of all because we knew I was going to return, we just did not have the date to return because of all the injuries I had and the different things outside as well that was going on.
"We wanted to make sure that I was fully healthy, physically, mentally and emotionally."
Sometimes injuries, which are unknown to the wider public, can often be the reason for a fighter's prolonged absence from the ring and this was a case for Wilder.
Two successive injuries to his shoulder forced Wilder to take time away from boxing, which left him in constant pain when throwing his devastating right hand.
"Anybody who knows about shoulder injuries knows that it’s one of the longest injuries you can go through, and I ended up injuring my shoulder at one point in time, and it healed," Wilder continued.
"Then I ended up having an accident, falling on the same shoulder and then I had to start the process over again.
"Every time I threw my right hand; it would be nothing but pain."
If Wilder can get the win on June 27, he will no doubt become a major figure once again in a heavyweight division which has experienced a revival with a generation of exciting fighters making a name for themselves in boxing's most popular weight class.
Sign up to a DAZN subscription to watch the very best boxing
DAZN is the home of combat sports, broadcasting over 185 fights a year from the world's best promoters, including Matchroom, Queensberry, Golden Boy, Misfits, PFL, BKFC, GLORY and more.
Right now, until April 7, 2025, for UK customers an Annual Saver subscription is a one-off cost of just £83.99 in the United Kingdom, reduced from £119.99. That's just £1.61 per week.
In the US, an Annual Saver subscription is $224.99 as a one-off cost. There is also a Monthly Flex Pass option (cancel any time) at £24.99 / $29.99 per month.
It is not just about fight night, a DAZN membership also includes access to documentaries and features, weekly magazine shows, live fight watchalongs, press conferences, weight-ins, open workouts, exclusive interviews and access to training camps, and podcasts and vodcasts.
For pricing in your country, more information and to sign up click here.
