Deontay Wilder's boxing career hangs in the balance after two straight losses in Saudi Arabia. The former heavyweight champion got outboxed by Joseph Parker and knocked out by Zhilei Zhang in his recent fights.
Wilder showed up at The Lions Den Boxing Community Reunion in Atlanta this month. He got a Lifetime Achievement Award and talked about his career for the first time since Zhang knocked him out in five rounds.
Parker beat Wilder on points first. He shut down Wilder's big right hand and won almost every round. Then Zhang put Wilder away, which made some people wonder if he'd retire. Wilder himself said he might quit if he lost that fight.
At 38, Wilder's not the scary puncher he used to be. He looks hesitant now. Even Lennox Lewis thinks it's time for Wilder to hang up his gloves.
But Wilder's not ready to quit yet. He said at the event:
"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."
He added:
"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."
Tom Dillemuth shared a video of Wilder's speech on Instagram. The footage showed Wilder wearing a sling on his right arm. That's a big deal because Wilder's right hand has knocked out 42 of his 43 victims.
Turki Alalshikh from Riyadh Season wants to match Wilder with Derek Chisora. A fit and firing Wilder would be great for heavyweight boxing. We'll have to wait and see if he can get back to his best.
