Deontay Wilder compared to Anthony Joshua by rival's promoter after dejected reaction to Zhilei Zhang KO

06/06/2024 07:04 AM

Deontay Wilder’s reaction to his KO defeat mirrors Anthony Joshua’s dejection after his rematch loss to Oleksandr Usyk.

That’s according to Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, who watched on as his surprise team captain pick Wilder was dropped and stopped by Zhilei Zhang.

Wilder looked dejected following the win, and Hearn believes he has seen it all before with AJ.

He said: "The reaction that I saw from Wilder after the [Zhang] fight was similar to when AJ lost to Usyk in the second fight.

“It looked to me like a guy who had given everything in camp and just completely set his mind and focus on victory.

"It was frustration. Obviously AJ performed well against Usyk, but Deontay didn't look himself."

Joshua’s circumstances were indeed different losing on a split decision to Usyk, who has since gone on to become the undisputed king of the division.

He went on a famous rant of frustration, grabbing the microphone and attempting to justify the defeat before later apologising.

Wilder looked a shadow of himself and failed to unleash his trademark power in another uncharacteristic display against ‘Big Bang’.

Despite the ‘Bronze Bomber’ facing widespread calls to retire, Hearn believes his motivation to compete may now be significantly less.

He continued: “The confidence to let his hands go is not there anymore – and that's what made Wilder. 

"If you're getting pushed back by Zhang and you've got the right hand cocked, you've got to let it go, and he couldn't let it go.

“When he did, it didn't look like it had the zip that it used to. I don't think anyone has the right to say he should retire.

“But at the level you would expect he wants to box at, I don't think he can perform there anymore.

“If he said, 'I'm done,' I think that would be the right call. At a lower level, he could go on for another two or three years, but I don't think that's his motivation."

Wilder has yet to announce his final decision on his boxing future.

The American heavyweight has been begged by his mother to retire.

But his father sees a future for him in the squared circle, providing he parts ways with trainer Malik Scott.

Only time will tell but the number of avenues for Wilder to try are wearing thin.