Former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder received a stark warning from boxing analyst Paulie Malignaggi about his training and mental preparation. Malignaggi expressed concerns about Wilder's training dynamics with coach Malik Scott. He questioned whether Scott tightly controls the camp or if Wilder dominates, possibly to his detriment.
Paulie Malignaggi, a retired boxer turned commentator, critically analyzed Wilder’s coaching situation. "I don't know if he takes Malik seriously as far as his ability to take charge of a training camp, or whether it’s Wilder running the camp and Malik working on technique," Malignaggi commented. He emphasized that effective training should encompass both technical skills and overall camp leadership.
Malignaggi further highlighted potential gaps in the emotional and mental preparedness that Scott might fail to address in Wilder’s camp. “Malik is a very good technical trainer but I don’t know if he’s the guy who can take charge of Wilder mentally and emotionally in a training camp," he explained.
Wilder has faced significant challenges in recent years, notably in his trio of fights against Tyson Fury where he secured one draw but suffered two losses. However, he delivered a strong comeback with a first-round knockout win over Robert Helenius and seeks redemption following a points loss to Joseph Parker in Saudi Arabia last December. His promised return to an aggressive fighting style underpins his aspirations to become a two-time world heavyweight champion and potentially secure a lucrative fight with Anthony Joshua.