Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder, 38, (43-3-1, 42 KOs) was the best U.S heavyweight in his era. Wilder held the heavyweight title from 2015 to 2020, and successfully defended the belt on 10 occasions. In 2015, Wilder became the first American world heavyweight champion since 2007, the longest period of time an American had not held a heavyweight title.
Wilder’s overhand right violently earned the reputation as one of the strongest punches in boxing history and his 97.7 KO percentage is the highest in heavyweight history, and his punching power ranks in most experts’ top 5 for the division. But father time catches up with everyone and that was very evident in Wilder’s last fight as he was dominated against Joseph Parker. His post fight comments hinted that he could end up walking away from the sport. But feeling like he has some more left in the tank, he took on the challenge to fight Zhilei Zhang.
????️ Deontay Wilder back in training.
Looks to be preparing for a southpaw, which would be in-line with the Zhilei Zhang rumours for June 1 in Saudi.pic.twitter.com/MvL5v648wO
— EverythingBoxing (@EverythingBoxi2) April 11, 2024
“Come the night of the fight we see if I got it or not. I’m holding it as my last dance my last chance,” Wilder said during the news conference. “I’m looking forward to the fight. I respect Zhang, he’s a good fighter. [But] It’s my time, I been through a lot. I had to regroup and get my stuff together. Things don’t just change overnight. you got to keep working. I’m just ready to do what I’m known to do, be the Wilder I am.”
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Robert LaMar is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
