Deontay Wilder‘s career is on the ropes following to back-to-back defeats in Saudi Arabia.
The first occasion was a points loss to Joseph Parker, who nullified the former WBC Champion’s best weapon and won a near shutout on the cards. Wilder, post-fight, assured fans that his killer instinct would be back when he returned.
That was against Zhilei Zhang and the American did admit that he would be considering retirement if he couldn’t get the victory. He was knocked out in five rounds.
It’s not necessarily the losses that have led the likes of Lennox Lewis to call for the 38-year-old to retire, but the nature of how he has performed. Once the most devastating puncher on the planet, Wilder’s ferociousness appears to have been replaced by tentativeness.
Although there has been radio silence on his social media, Wilder made a public appearance this month in Atlanta at The Lions Den Boxing Community Reunion.
In a clip shared by Tom Dillemuth from the event, Wilder gives a motivational talk to those around him who have presented him with a Lifetime Achievement Award. His words appear to hint that his fighting days are not over.
“Just like others have paved the way for me. It’s gratitude to give back. I tell everyone we all have greatness in us and greatness is determined by service. Everyday I wake up I try to provide my service because I know how great I am.
So many may hold you back, so many stop signs may come, many things may come and hinder your craft, but you can’t give up, though. No matter how many falls you may take, you gotta get your ass back up and keep going. And that’s what we’re on the journey doing, the best is yet to come, you understand me? I appreciate the love.”
Interestingly, the knockout artist from Alabama is sporting a sling on his right arm – the tool that has led him to an incredible 42 knockouts from 43 wins.
If fans take the words above as intent to fight on, talk will turn who might fill the opposite corner. Riyadh Season’s Turki Alalshikh has said he would be open to matching him with Derek Chisora.
There’s no doubt that an in-form Wilder is a great addition to the heavyweight division, but whether or not he can rediscover that form remains to be seen.
