Deontay Wilder's next fight: Is his career over after loss to Joseph Parker?

Tuscaloosa native Deontay Wilder has now been defeated three times in his professional career.

The 2008 Olympic bronze medalist picked up his third loss in a clash with Joseph Parker at the Kingdom Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday. Wilder circled the ring for 12 rounds, searching for an opportunity to deliver a devastating right hand to knock out his opponent.

But Parker survived for the full 36 minutes in a near shutout, winning by unanimous decision. Wilder has lost three of his last four fights, with the other two defeats coming against Tyson Fury in February 2020 and October 2021.

The 6-foot-7 Wilder began his professional career with 40 straight victories before battling to a draw versus Fury in their first meeting in December 2018. Here's what Wilder said when asked about his future immediately after the loss to Parker:

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When is Deontay Wilder's next fight? Will he fight again?

Following his loss to Parker, Wilder, 38, was asked where he wants his career to go.

"We'll see what happens," Wilder said in the ring after the fight. "We have a little bit more left, but I've done a great job with managing my money and investing. I'm a happy fighter. We go in here and do what we do, and we go home and leave and spread love to the family and all of our loved ones. On to the next.

"I'm a warrior, so I'll be back soon. And if not, then it's been an enjoyment, it's been a pleasure and I appreciate everybody for the love and the support they've been giving me over the years."

Wilder has 43 wins in 47 career bouts, with 42 of those victories being capped with a knockout.

"I don't know," Wilder said when asked if he still has the same fire he possessed early in his career. "A lot has calmed me down. ... I found a lot of happiness in my life. I've been wearing this smile all week long, and I'm going to still wear it. Win, lose or draw, I'm going to wear my smile all week long because I'm blessed and I'm highly favored. I don't think nothing can stop me on that.

"That's what it's all about: Being a warrior, going in and giving it all you got. If you come up short, you just get back up and you keep trying. That's what life is all about: Falling and getting back up, falling and getting back up. You can't quit. You can't give up. You must keep going. We all have greatness in us, but greatness is only determined by service. I'm going to continue to put out my service, baby."

There was an agreement in place prior to Saturday between Wilder and Anthony Joshua that had the two matching up with one another in March, per an ESPN report. The only conditions were that Wilder had to beat Parker, Joshua had to defeat Otto Wallin and the two fighters must leave their respective fights uninjured.

Wilder did not win, leaving his potential next appearance in question.

Richard Silva is a sports reporter for the USA TODAY network. He can be reached via email at rsilva@gannett.com or on Twitter @rich_silva18.