Deontay Wilder, once a dominant force in the heavyweight division, has found himself in a steep decline, losing four of his last five fights. The former WBC champion's career has taken a dramatic turn, with losses to Tyson Fury, Joseph Parker, and Zhilei Zhang, casting doubt on his future in the sport. As the 39-year-old boxer contemplates his next move, his trainer Malik Scott has provided insights into Wilder's current state and the challenges he faces in his quest to reclaim his former glory.

A Heavyweight Heavyweight's Downward Spiral

Wilder's Reign Comes to an End

Deontay Wilder's reign as the WBC heavyweight champion came to a crashing halt in 2020 and 2021, when he suffered back-to-back losses to the formidable Tyson Fury. These defeats marked a significant turning point in Wilder's career, as he struggled to regain his footing in the highly competitive heavyweight landscape.

In 2023, Wilder faced another setback when he was unable to overcome the challenge posed by Joseph Parker, losing the fight by decision. This loss further highlighted the erosion of Wilder's once-dominant skills, as he failed to impose his will on his opponent.

The most recent blow to Wilder's career came in June 2024, when he was knocked out in the fifth round by the Chinese heavyweight Zhilei Zhang. This defeat, which came after a string of losses, has raised serious questions about Wilder's ability to compete at the highest level of the sport.

The Decline of the "Bronze Bomber"

Wilder's downfall has been particularly concerning for his fans and supporters, as the "Bronze Bomber" was once known for his devastating punching power, which had led him to accumulate 42 knockouts in his 43 professional victories. However, in his recent defeats, it has become evident that Wilder has lost the potency of his fists, a crucial aspect of his fighting style.

Malik Scott, Wilder's trainer, has provided some insight into the challenges his fighter has faced. "I don't know, he just couldn't pull the trigger. At the end of the day, he's human. He went in there and did the best he could and lived to fight another day," Scott said, reflecting on Wilder's loss to Zhang.

Scott's comments suggest that Wilder's struggles are not solely due to a lack of effort or preparation, but rather a reflection of the natural decline that comes with age and the wear and tear of a long and grueling career in the heavyweight division.

Wilder's Uncertain Future

Despite the setbacks, Wilder and his team remain optimistic about his future in the sport. According to Scott, "Some good things should come up in 2025. For now, Deontay has been resting and focusing on his family and business. When you're in the second half of your career and in high level fights against bigger guys, rest is just as important as being fit and running."

This statement suggests that Wilder is taking a measured approach to his career, prioritizing his personal life and well-being as he contemplates his next steps. The former champion's willingness to take a break and recharge could be a sign that he is not yet ready to hang up his gloves and is determined to make one final push for a comeback.

However, the road ahead for Wilder is undoubtedly a challenging one. The heavyweight division has become increasingly competitive, with rising stars and seasoned veterans alike vying for the top spot. Wilder will need to find a way to recapture the form that made him a dominant force in the past if he hopes to regain his place among the elite of the heavyweight class.