Former WBC champion Deontay Wilder has often spoke of putting an end to his opponent’s careers and even lives during the build-up to his fights, but ahead of one of his toughest tests to date, the hard-hitting American made a fresh claim that fans may be surprised to hear.
Wilder lost to the second opponent of his career when he was out-thought, out-boxed and outpointed by a rejuvenated Joseph Parker in December, subsequently forgoing the opportunity to finally face long-term rival Anthony Joshua – who in turn moved on to a showdown with Francis Ngannou instead and delivered a highlight-reel knockout.
Meanwhile, Parker continued his rich vein of form with victory over Zhilei Zhang, derailing the plans of ‘Big Bang’ to challenge for the world titles and assuming his position as the mandatory challenger with the WBO.
Now it is Wilder and Zhang who will go head-to-head, at a combined age of 79-years-old and both coming off of a loss, each requiring victory to thrust their names into the heavyweight title picture yet knowing that a second consecutive defeat could spell the end of their respective careers.
Speaking to Seconds Out, Deontay Wilder admitted that he shares this opinion and confirmed that this could well be his final contest if he does not get his hand raised.
“I have had a successful career, and this is a do or die moment for me. I don’t think that the heavyweight division is exciting without Deontay Wilder but come Saturday night we will see. Will I prevail? Will I succeed? Who knows. But Saturday night is the true answer and we are going to see.
This could be the end of the career. This could be the final goodbyes, the farewell of Deontay Wilder – if I lose. If I win, I prevail, of course I go on to bigger and better things”
Despite their clashes in the past, there will be nobody rooting more for ‘The Bronze Bomber’ than Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, not only because of the potential encounter with Anthony Joshua down the line but also because Hearn has appointed Wilder as his team captain on the night for the ‘Matchroom versus Queensberry; five versus five’.
Across the five fights, one point is awarded for a victory whilst two points are given for a knockout win. However, each team must also elect a team captain who is able to score double points – meaning Wilder could net Hearn a monumental four points for team Matchroom if he manages to stop Zhang.
For Queensberry, Hamzah Sheeraz has been selected as the team captain for his middleweight battle against the eccentric Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams.
The other three fights on the bill will see the WBA featherweight world title up for grabs as Nick Ball challenges Raymond Ford for his belt, whilst Daniel Dubois and Filip Hrgovic collide in a final eliminator for the IBF heavyweight world title, each of those coming after Willy Hutchinson’s match-up with Craig Richards in an all-British light-heavyweight affair.
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