Will Deontay Wilder retire?

Will Deontay Wilder Retire?

Deontay “Bronze Bomber” Wilder (42-2-1, 41KOs) has been one of the most sensational heavyweights in recent memory, knocking down every opponent he has faced in his professional career. His career accomplishments are hall-of-fame worthy, as he delivered numerous highlight-reel knockouts and held the WBC heavyweight title for five years, from January 2015 to February 2020.

But at this point, he arguably doesn’t need to prove anything else, and more physically damaging heavyweight fights might not be worth the risk. He suffered a brutal beating against Tyson Fury last October, getting knocked down three times and ultimately knocked out in the 11th in what was a 2021 knockout of the year candidate. There’s no question that Wilder fought valiantly in that fight, as he overcame being knocked down by Fury to later score two knockdowns of his own. Furthermore, he was one-half of MaxBoxing’s 2021 fight-of-the-year, and no matter the result, any combatant in a bout labeled as the fight-of-the-year impressed.

In an interview with world-renowned comedian Kevin Hart, Wilder mentioned the possibility of retiring soon. Wilder noted in this interview that he has mixed feelings about continuing his career, believing that he has proved everything he wanted to achieve in his career.

Moreover, he indicated that he has other priorities outside of boxing and is content with his slew of accomplishments. He suffered tremendous damage in his last fight, and many trainers would have stopped the bout well before Wilder was eventually knocked out in the 11th. Given Wilder’s outrage after his former trainer Mark Breland threw in the towel in the preceding bout against Fury, there was no chance that current trainer Malik Scott would stop the fight. But continuing to persevere and fight valiantly comes at a price, as Wilder took numerous booming shots from the 270lb giant Tyson Fury. He needs an extended break after the tough and damaging loss.

But is it time to retire completely?

Contrary to Wilder’s sentiments in his interview with Kevin Hart, manager Shelly Finkel has mentioned that Wilder will be seen in action once again. Moreover, Wilder’s trainer Malik Scott has indicated that he plans to work with Wilder more and is looking towards a comeback run with the former WBC heavyweight champion.

Wilder can stay in the heavyweight mix for the foreseeable future if he wishes. He will have to climb his way back to demonstrate that he is still an elite heavyweight that could pose a significant challenge to the likes of Anthony Joshua, Oleksandr Usyk, and Tyson Fury.

One step towards getting back into contention could be a fight with former unified heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz. Ruiz has only lost to former heavyweight champions Joseph Parker and Joshua, and a win against Ruiz would certainly earn Wilder respect and get the boxing public excited about another world title bout for the “Bronze Bomber”

But at 36 years old, Wilder’s best fighting days are likely behind him, and he may not be the same fighter after all the blows he suffered against Fury last October. He has earned millions of dollars from his reign as heavyweight champion and the three pay-per-view fights with Fury.

Some say that when a fighter even begins to contemplate retirement, they are mentally checked out and shouldn’t continue to test their commitment in future bouts. Given Wilder’s remarks, he seems to be thinking that he doesn’t need to endure the grueling experience of being a prizefighter. Regardless of Wilder’s decision, he has accomplished enough in his career to be satisfied. In the span of the great history of heavyweight champions, only a handful of heavyweights have defended their title 10 times over half a decade.

Deontay Wilder is one of them.