Deontay Wilder Reveals Injury After Loss To Zhilei Zhang: “You Can’t Give Up
Deontay Wilder is facing calls to retire after two back-to-back losses.
The big-hitter from Alabama was out of the ring for 14 months after a first round knockout of Robert Helenius in late 2022. He returned in December of last year to face fellow former world champion Joseph Parker and looked tentative, losing a near shutout on the cards.
With the promise of more aggression, Wilder came back against Zhilei Zhang in June, admitting pre-fight that a loss could spell retirement. China’s Zhang knocked him out in five rounds.
Since then, the likes of Lennox Lewis and Teddy Atlas have advised him to retire. He has been silent on the matter until a recent public appearance in which he also showed off an injury.
In a video shared by Tom Dillemuth from The Lions Den Boxing Community Reunion, Atlanta, the 38-year-old sported a sling on his right arm as he appeared to confirm he would fight on during a thank you speech for a lifetime achievement award.
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.”
The extent of the injury – which appears to be Wilder’s arm rather than his hand – is unclear. With plenty of movement in the heavyweight division coming up, fans may hear from him soon
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