Deontay Wilder's boxing career might be nearing its end, according to legendary analyst and trainer Teddy Atlas. The former WBC world heavyweight champion has been urged to retire by Atlas, who's worried about the punishment Wilder has taken in recent fights.
Wilder, now 39, hails from Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He's getting ready for his 48th professional fight, set to face Tyrrell Herndon on Friday, June 27, at Charles Koch Arena in Wichita. But Atlas thinks it's time for 'The Bronze Bomber' to hang up his gloves for good.
Atlas explained his concerns in an exclusive interview. He pointed out how Wilder took a lot of hits in his last few fights and didn't react well to clean shots. Atlas said he's worried about Wilder fighting again "as a human being."
Wilder's recent record backs up Atlas's worries. The former champ has lost 4 of his last 5 fights. His most recent bout ended in a knockout loss to Zhilei Zhang last June. Many fans and pundits thought that might have been Wilder's final fight.
But Wilder isn't ready to give up on his dream of becoming world heavyweight champion again. He's set to return to the ring against Herndon in a non-title bout.
Atlas, known for advocating that fighters should retire at the right time, doesn't seem likely to change his mind even if Wilder performs well in his upcoming fight. He's seen too many boxers stay in the sport too long and suffer permanent damage.
"The last thing to go, George Foreman showed, is that the last thing to go with a fighter is power. As long as you have power, you've got a shot."
Atlas acknowledges that Wilder's famous power punch might still be there. But for him, the risks outweigh the potential rewards. As Wilder prepares to step into the ring once more, Atlas's words serve as a stark reminder of the tough choices fighters face at the twilight of their careers.
