Cwhen Deontay Wilderhe knocked his friend Robert Helenius unconscious in the first round of the fight that took place between the two in 2022, he appeared very affected during the subsequent press conference, even shedding a tear while talking about the dangers that boxing entails. Somehow he was no longer the fighter he was in 2019. He claimed “a body” in his record. Since then she hasn’t knocked anyone out again. He also hasn’t been the same since Tyson Fury took him to the dream room twice.
Although it came from lose to Joseph Parker, the ‘Bronze Bomber’ was knocked out for the third time in his career on Saturday night. The architect, el chino Zhilei Zhang, who weighed 25 kg more than him. It was also one of the worst knockouts a boxer can suffer. He misses with his right hand and receives a blow from his rival, but the bad thing is that he is completely disoriented and does not have the reflex to protect himself or even go to the ground; He turns around, ignores it and is finished off at will while he is standing.
Wilder had said that if he lost he would have to retire. He has not wanted to comment on the matter yet.. Of course, his presence is no longer as imposing as before and it has been a long time since he seems to not have the same hunger as before. The former undisputed heavyweight champion, Lennox Lewis, reminds you his words and advises him: “He told us before the fight that he would retire if he did not win. I think it is a wise decision. He is more than prepared for a life in which he can take care of his daughter [nació con espina bífida]so Before he suffers more damage, it is better to leave him with all his faculties intactbecause there is MUCH more life to live after boxing.
Along the same lines, he spoke Anthony Joshuawho a priori seemed like Wilder’s future rival until this defeat: “It depends completely on him. I don’t care what he does, let him come back if he wants, and if not, he has a family there and there is another life outside of boxing for him […] “Time is enough for all of us.”
The former Alabama champion’s career is evidently on the decline and he no longer seems prepared to go against the division’s top performers. Deontay, also a good basketball player, dedicated himself to boxing to support his family and the Olympic medal was undoubtedly a boost. He had two jobs when he started in this sport, as a waiter and cleaner. As a professional, in his early days Wilder traveled with stars like David Haye, whom he helped in their training. The ‘Bomber’ won the WBC world heavyweight title and made more than 10 defenses. Despite his poor technique, he has built a very solid career based on a legendary forehand – what a fast and powerful one-two! – and if he retires no one will be able to deny that he was a fearsome champion.