Report: Deontay Wilder’s Next Title Fight Could Be in Alabama

The WBC Heavyweight Champion might make his first title defense inside his home state of Alabama. 

According to D.C. Reeves of the Tuscaloosa News, Deontay Wilder and his camp are targeting June 13 for his next fight and Birmingham is among the cities being considered as a possible location. Trainer Jay Deas said they are working hard to make his return home a reality.

“We 100 percent would love to have Deontay fight in Alabama's first-ever heavyweight title fight,” Deas told the Tuscaloosa News. “It's his home, I think it would sell out and we're working hard to make that happen.”

If Birmingham is indeed the final choice, that would leave two primary options for a venue: the BJCC Legacy Arena or UAB's Bartow Arena. As Reeves points out in his story, Garth Brooks is performing in Birmingham that night, which eliminates Legacy Arena. The UAB basketball arena holds around 8,500 people but that could probably be increased with floor seating.

Wilder, who lives and trains in Tuscaloosa, became the new WBC Heavyweight Champion after defeating Bermane Stiverne by decision on January 17. If Wilder can defend his belt this year, he could be in line for a unification fight with IBF/IBO/WBA/WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko at the start of 2016.