The WBA has admitted a “mistake” and restored Deontay Wilder to their rankings, which is encouraging news for the struggling fighter as 2024 gets underway
The good news for Deontay Wilder, who has been struggling, is that the WBA has accepted his “mistake” and put him back in the rankings for 2024
On December 23, Deontay Wilder took the ring for the first time in nearly two years. His lack of action was evident in his performance on the Day of Reckoning card when he lost to Joseph Parker by a 12-round points decision.
The former WBO champion won with dominance after pushing Wilder backwards repeatedly after he was unable to get past the right.
Many questioned if he would ever fight again after his lacklustre performance and whether Tyson Fury’s two victories against the American were any less remarkable as a result.
The renowned heavyweight puncher, who has eliminated every opponent he has fought save Fury and Parker, was deducted from the WBA rankings after the bout. Surprisingly, the organisation has since acknowledged their error and given him his job back.
He has been added back in at number 9 with an explanation in a paper that was made available on their website.
Due to his opponent’s calibre, record, and activity, Deontay Wilder entered at position nine. and was unintentionally removed from the rankings.
Jarrell Miller, who fell short against Daniel Dubois that same evening, is replaced by Wilder.
“The entry of Wilder causes No. 11 Miller to drop in the ratings.”
Kubrat Pulev is reinstated while Hrgovic is removed from the rankings in the same document.
As a result of being announced as an official challenger of another organisation, Hrgovic ranked No. 10, drops out of the rankings. Since Kubrat Pulev will be facing Charr on March 30, he comes in at number 10.
It’s unclear exactly who or when he would fight next, but this at least raises the possibility that it will be against a deserving foe.
