The former world heavyweight champion, American Deontay Wilder, said Wednesday that he will return to boxing after several months in which it was not known what he would do in the future. 

In a tribute made by his hometown, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the American puncher was recognized with a statue and there he took the opportunity to confirm that he will return to the ring.

Two consecutive defeats before Tyson Fury have kept Wilder out of the ring for months, and he has taken a well-deserved break from boxing. Now, with the motivation of his people and with great expectations he spoke about the situation. 

“I’m not going to stop here, I must continue my journey. I must do it,” assured the 36-year-old fighter. 

“I must go back by popular demand, because that’s all I’ve been hearing everywhere. From homeless people to multi-millionaires have been asking me. It’s been an incredible feeling to have so many people come up to me and tell me that I’m important because without an American heavyweight, boxing really isn’t exciting,” he said later in an interview with Blue Blood Sports TV.