Deontay Wilder honoured with life-size statue in his hometown in Alabama and hints he is ready to make boxing return

FORMER WBC world heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder has been honoured with a life-size statue in his hometown of Tuscaloosa in Alabama.

Boxing’s hardest puncher has not fought since he was knocked out by Tyson Fury in their trilogy fight last October.

And Wilder has previously suggested he could retire from the sport following the brutal loss.

Despite his future in boxing unknown, Wilder will be honoured on May 25 in his hometown for his sporting achievements.

A life-size statue his been commissioned to celebrate his 44-fight career so far.

Wilder reacted to local news confessing he “wasn’t even expecting” such an honour.

The 36-year-old also hinted at a possible return to the squared circle, saying he is going to “set a lot of records” as well as break them.

He said: “I wasn’t even expecting this.

“That’s why you say God works in mysterious ways.

“I know I’m gonna set a lot of records and I’m gonna break a lot of records along my journey.

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“But this right here, this is something God is giving – not only to me, but to my state and my city.

“I can just see people coming to the state of Alabama, touring the city of Tuscaloosa, looking at the statue.

“This will be something for my children, their children, their children’s children.

“I’m very happy with this project, I’m very excited about it.”

Wilder’s comments on a possible return to the ring are in line with what WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman has said

Sulaiman told Sky: “I spoke to him a couple of months ago, he is doing great and he is looking forward to resuming his boxing career.”