Coach Reveals Reasons Behind Wilder's Losses
Former WBC heavyweight champion (over 90.7 kg) Deontay Wilder (43-4-1, 42 KOs) is going through tough times. Since his first career loss in February 2020 to Tyson Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs), the "Bronze Bomber" has only secured one victory, knocking out Robert Helenius (32-5, 21 KOs) in the first round.
In his last five fights, the once-feared American has suffered four losses: twice by stoppage to Fury, a unanimous decision loss to Joseph Parker (35-3, 23 KOs), and most recently, a technical knockout by Zhilei Zhang (27-2-1, 22 KOs) on June 1.
Wilder himself emphasized the importance of the fight against the Chinese heavyweight, hinting that he would seriously consider retiring if he lost. Before the 5 vs 5 tournament between Queensberry Promotions and Matchroom Boxing, where Deontay captained Eddie Hearn's team, he stated: "This could be the end of my career. This could be the final farewell to Deontay Wilder if I lose."
Fans hoped that the loss to New Zealand's Joseph Parker was just an unfortunate setback, but the fight with Zhang confirmed for many that Wilder is no longer the fighter he once was.
Some have criticized Wilder's trainer, Malik Scott, questioning his qualifications. The former boxer, who fought Deontay in March 2014 and lost by first-round knockout, tried to respond to fans' criticism about his negative impact on his charge. Scott notes that the only reason for Wilder's changes is age.
"Imagine seeing a killer throughout his career, and then suddenly you don't see that killer anymore, and it gives the impression that if you ignore the facts, wow, he's no longer a killer because of Malik Scott.
I can't take away Deontay's killer instinct, even if I wanted to. Only time can do that because no one gives you a killer instinct. You either have it or you don't.
Just to prove my point, look at every killer in the second half of their career. Do you think Kevin McBride would have had a chance against a young Mike Tyson? Absolutely not. When fighters enter the second half of their career, they are no longer 22 or 23 years old.
Did I try to change Wilder's style? I've been in boxing since I was twelve years old. If anyone thinks I'm stupid enough to try to turn Deontay Wilder into a Muhammad Ali-type fighter...
My job is to teach the fighter, make him believe in himself, and help him get through the tough days when he doesn't believe in himself. The fight against Zhilei Zhang? I'm not a miracle worker. We just had a terrible night, and not only because of the knockout. Even before the knockout, we had one mini-good moment," Scott said.