Deontay Wilder has faced harsh words from retired boxing legend James Toney. The former three-division world champion didn't hold back when discussing Wilder's career and recent performances.
Wilder, now 39, hasn't stepped into the ring since suffering back-to-back defeats against Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang. The Alabama native's career took a turn after losing his WBC heavyweight title to Tyson Fury in February 2020. Wilder then faced Fury in a trilogy fight 18 months later, getting stopped in the penultimate round.
In a recent interview with Fight Hub TV, Toney didn't mince words about "The Bronze Bomber's" career:
"Deontay Wilder and that bomb bulls**t. Everybody was believing in that. I told everyone look who he's fighting. He fighting bums. If I was fighting them I would have all fights by knockout. The guys he fought I would've knocked out in two, three rounds too. They built him up right and then when it was time to come through, he failed. He wasn't ready. It's sad seeing what happen to him but it is what it is. Deontay was a one-trick pony."
Toney's criticism focuses on the quality of Wilder's opponents during his rise to prominence. He suggests that Wilder's power, often referred to as his "bomb," was overrated due to the level of competition he faced.
The retired boxer's comments add to a growing chorus of voices in the boxing world calling for Wilder to hang up his gloves. Many prominent figures in the sport have suggested retirement might be the best path forward for the former champion.
Despite these calls and his recent setbacks, Wilder seems determined to continue his career. Fans can expect to see "The Bronze Bomber" back in the ring in the coming months, as he looks to silence his critics and reclaim his spot at the top of the heavyweight division.
