Carl Froch, a former world champion boxer, thinks Deontay Wilder should hang up his gloves. He's worried about Wilder's health and future in the sport.
Leaving boxing is often the toughest part for fighters. The thrill of the fight, the money, and the adrenaline rush make it hard to walk away. Many boxers have stayed in the ring too long, risking their health. Very few manage to retire at the top of their game.
Froch knows a thing or two about going out on a high note. His last fight was a knockout win against George Groves at Wembley Stadium in front of 80,000 fans. It was probably his best performance, especially after a controversial win in their first match.
Wilder, now 39, has had a tough time lately. He's lost four of his last five fights, including two knockouts by Tyson Fury, a points loss to Joseph Parker, and a knockout by Zhilei Zhang in June 2024. The former WBC world heavyweight champ seems to be at a crossroads in his career.
In a YouTube interview, Froch shared his thoughts on Wilder's situation:
"I feel this is just money motivated and the only reason he's being told he can continue fighting and get back in the ring is for the old Bunsen burner. For me, that's sad, 'cause Deontay Wilder could end up getting seriously damaged. This guy needs to bow out and look after himself and think about his health and future."
Froch noticed that Wilder's punch resistance and power aren't what they used to be. He's worried that Wilder might get seriously hurt if he keeps fighting.
Despite these concerns, Wilder's team says he'll fight again. They claim he still has a bright future in boxing. There's talk of a fight with journeyman Curtis Harper in April, but nothing's been officially announced yet.
Some big names are floating around as potential opponents for Wilder, like fellow former champ Anthony Joshua and hard-hitting MMA star Francis Ngannou. But Wilder will need to move fast if he wants another shot at a world title.
It's a tough call for Wilder. The lure of the ring is strong, but so are the risks. As Froch points out, sometimes the bravest decision a fighter can make is knowing when to step away.
