There will be a major change to Deontay Wilder’s (43-4-1, 42 KOs) corner on fight night this Friday. ‘The Bronze Bomber’ is gearing up to face journeyman Tyrrell Herndon (24-5, 15 KOs) at Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, Kansas. However, with barely a day remaining for fight night, Wilder has announced his split with longtime coach Malik Scott.
Speaking to the Montgomery Independent, the duo revealed that they’ve decided to part ways, a decision they say was for the best and does not in any way affect their personal rapport.
“We’re brothers and always will be brothers. We talk all the time, and there’s nothing bad between us. Sometimes things change, and this was one of those times,” Wilder said while talking about their decision.
This marks the end of a collaboration that lasted over a decade. Scott joined Wilder’s team in 2014 after losing to him via a knockout. He later went on to become the head coach in 2021 and was particularly instrumental during the Tyson Fury trilogy fight.
Many would point out that Wilder wasn’t very successful under Scott’s tutelage, with only one win (against Robert Helenius) alongside a host of losses. However, there is no denying that he was a noticeable fixture in Wilder’s fights.
Scott, who is on the lookout for other opportunities, urged that there was no bad blood between him and Wilder.
“I wanted the best for Deontay. He did things to electrify the sport, and sometimes needs to be invigorated. He called me and let me know we were doing things differently in the corner for this fight. We thanked each other for all we did for each other,” Scott said. “He’s in good hands, and I know he’s in good hands.”
Wilder is currently on a quest to reignite his career and cement his position among the Titans of the heavyweight division. And according to Eddie Hearn, he might have his next fight waiting for him, an explosive mega showdown against Anthony Joshua.
“I know he’s (Wilder) a name that’s been mentioned,” Hearn told Sky Sports while talking about the next potential fights for AJ. “There is a potential that AJ could fight Deontay Wilder in October, November, December, and then fight Tyson Fury, and then he’s kind of got the full set in terms of every elite heavyweight of this generation, he’s faced in the ring.”
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