Deontay Wilder’s Title Hopes in Tatters
‘The Bronze Bomber,’ Deontay Wilder, faced a crucial match on Saturday night, aiming to revive his heavyweight title aspirations. However, those hopes were shattered when he was knocked out in the fifth round on the Matchroom vs Queensberry card. This defeat marks Wilder’s second loss in six months, following a defeat by Joseph Parker in December, which ended any prospects of a highly anticipated showdown with Anthony Joshua. ”
[VIDEO] ANNIHILATED! Zhang Knocks Out Deontay Wilder In 5th Round As Joshua Reacts Sarcastically
At 38, Wilder has now lost four of his last five bouts, three of them by knockout, and has secured only one victory since the beginning of 2020. His recent performances against Parker and Zhang have shown him to be a shadow of his former fearsome self, leading his manager, Shelly Finkel, to suggest that Wilder might be considering retirement.
Calls for Retirement
Wilder’s mother, Deborah Wilder, believes it might be the right time for her son to retire and possibly transition into coaching the next generation of boxers. Speaking to USA TODAY Sports, she said, “I texted him and said, ‘Son, we’re having a party for you. You gave us the best boxing in the USA when boxing was dead. You’ve gotten older. You’ve run your course in your journey. It’s time to celebrate.’” She added, “Enjoy your life now. Teach other young men how to become a champion.”
Despite these sentiments, Wilder did not address the media after his latest defeat, leaving many to speculate about his future.
Industry Voices and Future Plans
The boxing community, including former undisputed champion Lennox Lewis, has also voiced opinions on Wilder’s potential retirement. Lewis, reflecting on Deontay Wilder’s career, wrote on X, “The Bronze Bomber told us before the fight that he would retire if he didn’t win. I think that is a wise decision. He has more than carved out a life in which he can take care of his daughter, so before he suffers any more damage, it is best to leave the game with your faculties intact because there’s a LOT more life to live after boxing.”
Deontay Wilder, who held the WBC championship from 2015 until he was dethroned by Tyson Fury in 2020, has had a storied career. Yet, the recent string of losses has led to serious discussions about his next steps. His family and former champions alike seem to agree that it might be time for Wilder to hang up his gloves and focus on a life beyond the ring, potentially mentoring young fighters and passing on his extensive knowledge of the sport.
