Deontay Wilder is not retiring any time soon.
Wilder has been urged to call time on his career at several points in his career, particularly after a fifth round loss to Zhilei Zhang last June.
However, the 39-year-old, who got back to winning ways with a seventh round stoppage over Tyrrell Herndon in June, says he will continue fighting for another 10 years.
“I got 10 years left,” Wilder said on The Ariel Helwani Show.
“You’ve got to understand, in the heavyweight division, we tend to go a little bit longer than the rest.
“Being the bigger guys, the division is not as packed as the smaller divisions. We don’t take too much damage as the smaller guys.
“Most of the smaller guys, their careers are done by like 30.
“You see Bernard Hopkins, he went to about 49, 50. You got the heavyweights, they always go a little bit longer.
“I got into this business at 21, so I feel right now that I’m a veteran.
“I just got into the groove of things and understanding certain things.
“I’m not burnt out at all. I feel great, you know what I’m saying?
“Of course, age is what it is, but we get older every year. We can’t change that factor of things, it’s just the way life is.”
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The former heavyweight world champion was called out by ex-UFC heavyweight titlist, Francis Ngannou last week and Wilder admits he would be open to facing the 38-year-old.
Ngannou has fought twice as a professional boxer, losing to Wilder’s rivals Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, the latter his most recent fight last March, where he was stopped in two rounds.
“My interest is high,” Wilder said of fighting Ngannou.
“I’m ready to go with anyone.
“So if Francis is next, then let it be.”
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The Alabama man admits he is also keen to finally face the aforementioned Joshua.
The pair have been linked with a showdown since 2017 when both held world titles, but a much-desired clash has eluded them.
Joshua has been out of the ring since a devastating fifth round defeat to Daniel Dubois last September and saw a proposed bout with Jake Paul fall through after the YouTuber-turned-boxer opted to face Gervonta Davis on November 14 in Atlanta.
“I didn’t get the opportunity [to fight Joshua],” Wilder added.
“It is what it is.
“I’m still here.
“We can still get it on. I’m willing, ready and able whenever they are.
“Until then I’m not going to mention their names and hopefully they don’t mention my name until they are truly, truly ready to finally get this fight on.
“No matter what happens, let’s get this fight on once and for all.”
