After the recent defeat of Deontay Wilder by Zhilei Zhang in Riyadh, retired boxing great Lennox Lewis has publicly stated that he believes Wilder should retire. Lewis expressed concern for Wilder’s health and well-being, suggesting that it would be wise for the former heavyweight champion to hang up his gloves while he still has his faculties intact. The fight in Riyadh marked Wilder’s fourth loss in his last five fights, signaling a decline in his abilities to compete at the highest level.
Wilder’s Pre-Fight Retirement Talk
Leading up to his bout with Zhang, Wilder had mentioned that he would retire if he were to lose. However, following the defeat, there was no confirmation from Wilder himself regarding his retirement plans. Promoter Eddie Hearn indicated that Wilder was unhappy with the referee’s decision to stop the fight in the fifth round. Despite getting back on his feet, the referee waved off the fight without giving Wilder a chance to continue, leading to speculation that Wilder may not consider the loss legitimate due to the premature stoppage.
Public Perception and Fan Opinions
Fans and boxing enthusiasts alike have expressed doubts about Wilder’s current abilities, suggesting that he lacks the confidence and reflexes needed to perform at his best. Many believe that Wilder’s trilogy of fights against Tyson Fury contributed to his decline, with some even stating that both fighters have been negatively impacted by their encounters. While Wilder’s resilience and knockout power were evident in his previous matches, it appears that he may be past his prime and no longer capable of competing at the elite level of the sport.
The controversy surrounding Deontay Wilder’s retirement remains a topic of discussion within the boxing community. While some argue that he should retire to preserve his health and legacy, others believe that he still has the potential to make a comeback. Ultimately, the decision lies with Wilder himself, and only time will tell whether he chooses to continue his boxing career or heed the advice of retired champions like Lennox Lewis.