Deontay Wilder Becomes "Open Agent" and Takes Control of His Career

Former WBC heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder has declared himself an "open agent" and stated that he is taking full control of his career moving forward. Wilder has been guided by adviser Al Haymon and manager Shelly Finkel throughout his prime boxing career, with his fights consistently being broadcast on Showtime and FOX.

Although he has been a free agent throughout his career, Wilder has now spoken out publicly about his free agency for the first time. He plans to retire at the age of 40 and intends to make the most of the remainder of his career.

Wilder has been ordered to face Andy Ruiz in a WBC final eliminator, but reports suggest that there is frustration between Wilder and Haymon's PBC over the money for that potential fight. As a result, Wilder is fielding offers from other promoters over his next move.

"I have no problem with PBC," Wilder said. "We're still thriving, we're strong, and I think PBC still has some of the best fighters out there."

Despite no bad blood between Wilder and PBC, he has confirmed that he is talking to other people who could potentially stage the Ruiz fight, or another fight instead. "I'm just an open agent, I'm an open fighter," he said. "I want to fight on all types of platforms. I'm willing to work with anyone in the business."

Wilder also discussed former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, who is now also a free agent, as a possible option for him. As an "open agent" fielding offers from promoters, there is no doubt Wilder will be receiving plenty of attention and a variety of proposals in the coming weeks.

Wilder has also stated that he is taking full control of his career and will be heading out to the Middle East next week for in-person meetings to discuss potentially making the Ruiz fight happen, which is a clash he definitely still wants.

It is clear that Wilder is looking to make the most of the remaining years of his boxing career, and his decision to become an "open agent" indicates that he is willing to work with anyone to make the biggest and best fights happen. It will be interesting to see where he goes from here, and which promoter or network he ultimately chooses to work with.