Wilder’s Team Made An ‘Excuse’ For His Loss – Says Frank Warren
Frank Warren has reacted to Deontay Wilder’s loss to Joseph Parker.
The Bronze Bomber was the co-main event attraction on the ‘Day of Reckoning’ Saudi card. There was pressure on Wilder coming into the fight since all eyes were on an Anthony Joshua fight. They were on course to face each other on March 9, 2024, the first of a two-fight deal. This was provided Wilder and Joshua won their fights. Joshua comprehensively stopped Otto Wallin after five rounds. But when it came to Wilder, he only won a single round on the judges’ scorecard.
The Bronze Bomber was on the back foot for the whole fight, failing to unload his right hand or jab. Following the loss, Wilder did not appear too downbeat. His comments also suggested that retirement could be on his mind. The defeat has scuppered the Joshua fight, leaving question marks if this was a blip or a severe dip in form that cannot be rectified. In response, Warren outlined some issues Wilder had in his preparation, as per the American’s manager Shirley Finkel.
Warren On Wilder
“I thought he looked pretty dreadful. He did a very good job, Joe, right from the start. I really don’t know what he does now, Deontay. I was just talking to Shelly Finkel and they were telling me that he had a problem. He went into one of those cryochambers and sat in it for a long time. I don’t know. Obviously, there’s going to be some excuse,” Warren said
Outside of those comments, these are some factors which could have influenced his performance. Wilder only fought a single around in over a year when he knocked out Robert Helenius. Before that, he suffered two knockout losses to Tyson Fury, the first defeats of his career. That meant he was no longer the WBC heavyweight champion.
In addition, Parker is a sparring partner for Fury. Parker disclosed how he received advice from the Gypsy King for the fight, suggesting it could have had a psychological impact on Wilder. After the Parker defeat, Wilder indicated his desire to come back stronger. But when it comes to opponents, he is down the pecking order. Joshua will likely face Filip Hrgovic in a possible IBF title eliminator, leaving Wilder out in the cold.
Wilder On His Loss
“We came out short tonight. You know what, I don’t know what happened, to be honest. My timing was off, and I didn’t throw my punches, I didn’t let my hands go like I was supposed to. Sometimes you get like that. But you live to see another fight. You live to see another moment.”
“I’m still full of happiness, still full of joy, still full of smiles. Sorry if I let anyone down but we will be back though! That’s the thing about it. I thank you so much for the love and support I’ve got out here in Riyadh and from all my fans around the world. I appreciate you so much. This is not the end, and I will be back,” Wilder said
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