Deontay Wilder has said that facing Zhilei Zhang is his last chance at the top level of boxing.
The Bronze Bomber is the former WBC Heavyweight Champion, but he has not looked the same since his three fights with Fury. A draw and two knockout losses removed the aura of invincibility that once made Wilder a feared KO artist. Wilder’s last fight was a unanimous decision loss against Joseph Parker. The manner of the performance was worrying as Wilder’s right hand and jab went missing.
The American dismissed suggestions he would retire, as he faces Zhang on June 1 on the Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol card. Zhang also seeks redemption following his loss against Parker. The Chinese lost his WBO Heavyweight Interim Title. Despite knocking down Parker twice in the fight, his opponent outworked him for the rest of the rounds to win a decision. Wilder knows he cannot afford other slip-ups with so much on the line.
Wilder’s Future
“This fight I’m holding it as my last stand, my last chance, and that’s what I’m taking it as. I’m just ready to do what I’m known to do and be the Wilder I am. You know, I lost my love and my passion for this business, I lost my hunger for so many different reasons. But now I’m in an opportunity where I’m dealing with people that I love…and it’s amazing to be around people who appreciate what they see in front of them.
“I’m not playing around this time, I have nothing to lose. I’ve lost a lot of things in my life, even including some of the closest people in my life, so I don’t feel like I have nothing else to lose, but only to gain,” Wilder said
Wilder’s training has shown that he is focused on his increasing his power. The clip above shows Wilder hitting the pads with a jab, followed by the right hand. Both of those shots were missing in the Parker loss, which is vital since Zhang has his laser left hand that can end a fight. Wilder’s trainer, Malik Scott, was widely criticized for the gameplan against Parker. Wilder seemed more focused on trying to box Parker than using his power punches. This time, it appears the focus is on Wilder returning to his bread and butter.
Wilder’s Trainer
“Zhilei Zhang is a big heavyweight that gets hit. That right there is enough for Deontay Wilder to have a chance at clipping him. You’re a big man, a bigger target. That means your defense is slower. I don’t care how dangerous you are. The bigger you are, the slower you move. You’re lazy sometimes, which gives your opposition a chance to hit you.
“You’re a bigger man and can’t get out of the way of the right hand too quick. Those are the things on the outside, but there’s a bunch of things that might go against us. Deontay has fought southpaws, but he never fought a southpaw like this concerning size, concerning that quick counters, and all of these things,” Scott said
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