Wilder Spotted With A Sling On His Arm – ‘Can’t Give Up’
Deontay Wilder has spoken out following his knockout loss to Zhilea Zhang.
Wilder suffered a second consecutive defeat, getting stopped in round five in Saudi Arabia. There were calls on Wilder to retire since a title shot is unlikely. Meanwhile, he is now 38 and at the tail-end of his career. He entered boxing to provide for his daughter, who has a rare disease called Spina Bifida. Wilder went on to become the WBC Heavyweight Champion, defending the title successfully ten times. He had a memorable trilogy with Tyson Fury, which set up his financial future for life after boxing.
Although Wilder has not said he will retire, it is difficult to see where he goes next. He is unlikely to fight for smaller purses, while he is not in a position to secure the bigger fights. His right hand and jab, which were his key weapons, were absent in his losses to Joseph Parker and Zhang. There is also mass scrutiny over his trainer, Malik Scott, who has been criticized for trying to make Wilder box rather than use his natural athleticism.
Wilder’s Appearance
But Wilder looked in better spirits during a public appearance. The video below shows him at The Lions Den Boxing Community Reunion. Wilder received a Lifetime Achievement Award, as he had plenty to cherish in his life. But in doing so, it was noticeable that he had a sling on his arm, suggesting he had an injury.
“Just like others have paved the way for me. It’s gratitude to give back. I tell everyone we all have greatness in us and greatness is determined by service. Everyday I wake up I try to provide my service because I know how great I am.
“So many may hold you back, so many stop signs may come, many things may come and hinder your craft, but you can’t give up, though. No matter how many falls you may take, you gotta get your ass back up and keep going. And that’s what we’re on the journey doing, the best is yet to come, you understand me? I appreciate the love,” Wilder said
Wilder’s Coach
Wilder’s recent comments have shown that his boxing career may be coming to an end. After his Parker defeat, Wilder did not look too fazed about being defeated. This loss was a surprise as it ended the Anthony Joshua fight after both had signed a two-fight deal, provided Wilder won. He was vocal about his Ayahuasca usage, stating that it helped him find peace. Scott later stated that his fighter may have lost his killer instinct, which once made him the most devastating puncher in the division.
“Imagine seeing a killer their whole career, then all of a sudden you’re not seeing that killer anymore and it comes across like, if you take the facts away from it, wow he ain’t a killer no more because of Malik Scott. I can’t take Deontay’s killer instinct away. Only Father Time can do that. Because can’t nobody give you a killer instinct. This thing is in you or it’s not,” Scott said
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