Deontay Wilder is just weeks away from his long-awaited return to boxing.
The former long-reigning WBC world heavyweight champion has not fought since he was brutally knocked out by Zhilei ‘Big Bang’ Zhang in the fifth round of their bout in Riyadh last June.
Wilder is set to face countryman Tyrrell Anthony Herndon in a non-title heavyweight showdown at the Charles Koch Arena in Wichita on Friday June 27 as he looks to get himself back to winning ways after suffering four defeats in his last five outings.
Former undisputed heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis, who is often regarded as being one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, has spoken out and had his say on Wilder’s comeback after many had felt that the 39-year-old could draw the curtain on his career.
In a Twitter post, Lewis admitted that he believes it would be a ‘wise decision for Wilder to hang the gloves up and walk away from the sport for good after the devastating knockout he suffered to ‘Big Bang’ Zhang last summer.
“Deontay Wilder told us before the [Zhang] fight that he would retire if he didn’t win. I think that’s a wise decision.
He’s more than carved out a life in which he can take care of his daughter. So before he suffers any more damage, it’s best to leave the game with ur faculties intact because there’s a LOT more life to live after boxing.”
Wilder’s last victory came against Robert Helenius back in 2022 when he stopped the ‘Nordic Nightmare’ in the opening round of their bout in New York City. ‘The Bronze Bomber’ then suffered a comprehensive points defeat to former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker just over one year later.
