Deontay Wilder isn’t retiring, at least not now.

The former WBC heavyweight champion told TMZ Sports that he is recovering from an arm injury and is interested in talks to face Francis Ngannou in a boxing match.

Here’s a look at the clip that TMZ Sports posted during a conversation with Wilder.

Ngannou has said he wants to fight Wilder, and the Bronze Bomber is seemingly willing and able to take on the challenge. However, he was also very respectful and empathetic towards Ngannou over the tragic loss of his son.

“A lot of things in different countries and things like that,” Wilder said. ‘Francis too, I hope you are doing well, I am sorry for your loss. I can only imagine what it’s like to lose a child. I hope to never even feel that feeling. I hope life goes well for you, brother. That’s a conversation I’m still looking for to get into the mix and talk about.

While many believe Wilder should call it a career after four losses in his last five fights (four losses by TKO), a fight against Ngannou makes the most sense if he continues for several reasons.

Wilder-Ngannou is a fight that should favor the man with 48 professional boxing bouts. However, there are legitimate doubts due to the extent to which Ngannou acquitted himself against Tyson Fury in October 2023 and the decline we have seen from Wilder.

Even with any doubts, Ngannou is the perfect opponent for him at this stage of his career. Stylistically, Ngannou won’t be elusive, and Wilder won’t have to chase him.

Ngannou will probably be there to get hit, which is right up Wilder’s alley. While Ngannou has punching power, his punches are not incredibly fast, at least not as a boxer. Without the threat of a takedown, Ngannou’s large lead won’t be much of a factor.

Furthermore, Ngannou’s defense seemed lacking against Anthony Joshua. It led to a vicious knockout in the second round of their fight in March. Wilder should get the chance to land the shots that made him one of the most feared fighters of his generation.

Most of all, a fight with Ngannou makes sense for Wilder because it’s a fight that could earn him a huge amount of money without having to face an opponent who is a top contender or has an advantage in boxing skills.

Both fighters are heavyweights with a big punch, so there is a certain amount of risk involved. However, this fight would pose the lowest potential risk and highest reward for Wilder. If Wilder wins, his victory will bring him some positive feelings and could lead to another money fight.

Wilder still has a potentially colossal payday, and that would come if he were to fight Joshua.

With Joshua suffering a KO loss to Daniel Dubois in his last fight, the matchup seems plausible again. Despite both men suffering KO losses, they were still able to pack an arena in the United Kingdom or the United States.

However, it remains to be seen whether Matchroom would want to put Joshua in the ring with someone as dangerous as Wilder. If Joshua loses to Wilder at this stage, his career could end.

The other way around for Wilder. Getting knocked out by Joshua would be devastating, and it seems a little more likely than Ngannou. Wilder turned 39 last month. If he’s still fighting, the matchups have to be calculated risks, and by my calculations, facing Ngannou is the more intelligent decision.