Deontay Wilder was soundly beaten by Joseph Parker, leaving the 38-year-old’s plans of a showdown with Anthony Joshua parked for now and potentially for good.
‘The Bronze Bomber’ struggled to pull the trigger against an in-form Parker, who controlled the distance and managed to inflict damage and negate anything coming back his way.
The unanimous decision was Wilder’s third loss as a professional following two to Tyson Fury, and left many wondering where he goes next. He himself has admitted that he needs to rediscover his ‘killer instinct.’
Speaking to Lord Ping, Carl Froch – known for his grit and aggression right until the final bell – said the American should hang up the gloves, pointing to a well-publicised ayahuasca retreat come spiritual awakening as a bad sign for a fighter.
“I think ayahuasca affected Deontay Wilder’s performance, I think it took away his killer instinct and the desire to cause damage. I think it chilled him out too much, it’s not good for you. Bad move that. I think he should retire now, he’s lost to Joseph Parker, who lost to Dillian Whyte, come on. He’s going on as well in age, he’s made plenty of money, he’s in touch with his spiritual side now and it’s put him at peace, but he’s no longer in a fighter’s frame of mind. He’s a lover.”
Wilder has said he will fight on, but a route back to the top is not currently clear. Joshua will face Francis Ngannou a month after an undisputed champion is decided between Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, and the winners are being positioned to face off.