Deontay Wilder’s Commitment to Boxing
Deontay Wilder, the former heavyweight champion, has firmly dismissed any speculation regarding his retirement from boxing, asserting that he has a decade more left in the sport. The 39-year-old athlete recently faced challenges in the ring, with consecutive defeats against Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang, the latter of which culminated in a significant knockout loss that seemed to signal the end of his prime.
Return to the Ring
However, after a year-long hiatus, Wilder made a triumphant return by scoring a knockout victory over Tyrrell Herndon in June, reigniting his confidence.
Aspirations for the Future
Now revitalized, Wilder shared his aspirations during an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, confidently stating,
“I got 10 years left. I intend to enjoy myself in this time and make the most of it. I’m going to have a damn good time doing it.”
Further reinforcing his determination, he elaborated on his plans to continue fighting until he reaches the age of 50, noting that heavyweight fighters tend to have longer careers compared to those in lighter divisions. He mentioned,
“Most of the smaller guys see their careers end by around 30, but heavyweight careers can extend well into the 40s.”
Wilder’s Perspective on Age
Wilder, who entered professional boxing at 21, sees himself as a seasoned veteran now fully immersed in the sport, feeling rejuvenated rather than worn out.
“Age is just a number. Many of us feel youthful, and I’m in an excellent mental space, ready to take on challenges ahead,”
he explained.
Future Matchups
Holding a professional record of 44 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw, Wilder faced his first defeats during a trilogy with Tyson Fury, but remains intent on future matchups. He has indicated keen interest in facing Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, and believes that it’s simply a matter of time before that clash materializes.
