Deontay Wilder won’t be pushed out the back door, despite back-to-back losses. The Ring recently confirmed that the former WBC heavyweight champ is looking to return in the coming months. A final decision hasn’t been officially made but that doesn’t mean certain fighters haven’t been contacted to gauge their interest.

According to fringe contender Stephan Shaw, he was given a ring. While he refused to go into exact details or explain verbatim what he was told, he did tell The Ring that a matchup with Wilder (43-4-1, 42 KOs) next isn’t likely.

“I got a call from somebody a couple of weeks ago mentioning the Wilder fight but I hadn’t heard any of the particulars. I hit up my manager and he told me he hit up his manager (Wilder’s manager). It’s a fight we would love to take but right now, it’s all smoke and mirrors.”

Once on top of the world, Wilder is very much in need of a feel-good moment. A onesided loss at the hands of Joseph Parker, followed by a stoppage defeat courtesy of Zhilei Zhang had him contemplating his next move.

Shaw (20-2, 15 KOs) is hoping that he’ll be the one to hit the lottery. Saddled with two defeats of his own, Shaw bounced back nicely in 2024, racking up two straight wins.

Being viewed as a top contender will take a bit more time, something that isn’t exactly on Shaw’s side. He’s in his early 30’s and a run to the top will require a handful of big-time wins. But, if he manages to get his hands on Wilder, title contention could hit the accelerator button.

Shaw wants that fight, craves it. He damn there needs it. But it isn’t just about getting the opportunity. It’s about capitalizing on it. And, considering their history, he believes he would.

“I’m at a point in my career where that’s a fight that would be perfect for me. I’ve sparred Deontay since 2017. I been his primary sparring partner. I’m very familiar with him. I would love that fight.”