Deontay Wilder’s Trainer Provides Update On Fighter After Calls To Retire
Deontay Wilder said a loss against Zhilei Zhang could spell the end of his career. The heavyweight from China knocked him out in five.
It’s the second defeat in a row for the once feared world champion following an uncharacteristically gun-shy performance against Joseph Parker.
With those losses he kissed goodbye to a lucrative fight against longterm rival Anthony Joshua and found himself well and truly out of the title picture.
There’s no doubt that there’s an appetite in the heavyweight division for a rough-around-the-edges one-hitter knockout artist like the American, but fans are now questioning whether or not that appetite still goes both ways.
Following a half-decade stint as WBC Champion, an undefeated Wilder met his match in ‘The Gypsy King’ Tyson Fury. Although the first bout was scored a draw, Fury produced two big stoppages to put a full stop on the trilogy and, some say, change ‘The Bronze Bomber’ forever.
Speaking to ES News, coach Malik Scott provided an update on his fighter following the bruising Zhang loss.
“He’s healing right now, recovering from some injuries. Getting his mind together, his mind right. He’s resting and enjoying life.”
Many have weighed in on what he should do next, with former undisputed heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis advising him to hang up the gloves but the likes of Joshua saying he should fight on if the desire is still there.
In the aftermath of the fight, Wilder also encountered some legal issues with his partner. He has not yet spoken publicly on that or the future of his career.
