Deontay Wilder is apparently looking for a softer touch.

After getting rid of the rust against Robert Helenius, Wilder (43-4-1, 42 KOs) jumped back into the deep end of the pool. At the tail end of 2023, the former WBC champ took on Joseph Parker. While he was heavily favored, he was thoroughly dominated. It was much of the same in his next fight as he was violently stopped by Zhilei Zhang.

Fighting the heavyweight division’s elite will now be put on hold as the 39-year-old will look to return against a relatively lesser known fighter. The Ring recently confirmed that not only has Curtis Harper been contacted but he was also issued a contract. After giving it a quick review, the fringe contender revealed that his portion of their agreement is signed, sealed, and delivered.

“Yes,” Harper told The Ring when asked if he signed a contract to fight Wilder.

Harper, 36, has spent the entirety of his career as a journeyman. Although he’s taken on several notable names, Harper (18-11, 12 KOs) is mostly known for the punches he didn’t throw. In August of 2018, Harper marched to the ring - ready and waiting to take on Efe Ajagba. However, once the opening bell rang, he walked out and headed to the locker room.

Fear had nothing to do with Harper’s decision. Instead, he claims his walkout was more of a financial protest. Still, his career spiraled as he was inactive for three years. When he did return, he struggled.

Shaky performances appear to be a thing of the past though. Harper spent his 2024 knocking off opponent after opponent. None of his recent foes, nevertheless, had a winning record.

Facing Wilder would represent a gigantic step up in competition but one that Harper desperately wants. In terms of when the pair should be getting it on, Harper revealed that his contract provided him with a date in the coming months.

“It’s supposed to be in April.”