Retired cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew thinks it's time for Deontay Wilder to hang up his gloves. Bellew, who stepped away from boxing in 2018, believes fighters should call it quits when they're past their prime.
Bellew walked away from the sport after Oleksandr Usyk stopped him in November 2018. He knew his best days were behind him and left an impressive legacy. Since then, Usyk has moved up to heavyweight and become the undisputed champion, beating Anthony Joshua for the WBA, WBO, and IBF belts before taking the WBC strap from Tyson Fury.
Fury, who has since retired, won the WBC title from Deontay Wilder. Since those losses to Fury, Wilder hasn't looked the same in the ring. He's struggled to land his famous right hand and has looked far from his best.
Wilder's recent run of form has been poor. He suffered two knockout losses to Fury, dropped a points decision to Joseph Parker, and got knocked out inside five rounds by Zhilei Zhang.
After Wilder's loss to Zhang, Bellew took to social media with some advice for the former champion.
"I wish Deontay Wilder well and hope he now thinks about his wealth and ultimately his health … He's done. Resistance and hunger are both gone."
Despite these calls for retirement, Wilder seems determined to continue his career. The 39-year-old has announced a comeback fight against Tyrrell Hernson on June 27. If Wilder wins, he might set up a long-awaited clash with Anthony Joshua.
Bellew's advice comes from personal experience. He made the tough decision to retire when he realized he couldn't compete at the highest level anymore. Now, he's urging others, especially Wilder, to consider doing the same for their long-term health and well-being.
