Wilder returned in April and edged Derek Chisora by split decision, scoring two knockdowns along the way. It wasn’t the type of performance that suddenly put him back among the division’s elite, but it did keep him relevant in a heavyweight landscape that continues to shift beneath the surface.

One of the biggest changes could come if Oleksandr Usyk decides to vacate the WBC title rather than face mandatory challenger Agit Kabayel.

If that happens, Kabayel would likely be elevated from interim champion to full WBC heavyweight champion. The unbeaten German has already made it clear he would welcome a fight with Wilder.

“Let’s do it in Germany. Deontay Wilder vs Kabayel,” Kabayel said to talkSport Boxing when discussing a possible future clash.

Wilder’s position in the rankings also makes the scenario more realistic than it may initially appear. The former champion currently holds the #7 spot with both the WBC and WBO, while also sitting at #10 in the IBF rankings.

At first glance, the idea of Wilder fighting for another heavyweight title seems difficult to believe. His defeats to Parker and Zhang were one-sided, and both raised questions about how much he has left after years of relying on his devastating right hand.

But heavyweight boxing has a way of creating unexpected opportunities.

Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua could both be tied up elsewhere. Other contenders have their own plans. Wilder, meanwhile, remains highly ranked by the WBC despite his recent setbacks.

That ranking could prove crucial if the title picture changes in the coming months.

Whether Wilder deserves another title opportunity is a debate fans will undoubtedly have. The more interesting question may be whether he can make the most of it if one unexpectedly lands in his lap.

A few months ago, another world title shot appeared impossible. Today, it doesn’t look quite so far-fetched.