Frank Warren calls Deontay Wilder 'shot fighter' as he reveals what it would take to revive Anthony Joshua clash

02/01/2024 16:59

Frank Warren thinks Deontay Wilder's best days are over.

The former WBC heavyweight champion lost a wide points decision when he fought Joseph Parker at the Day of Reckoning in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on December 23.

Wilder, who entered the fight a big favourite, promised to KO Tyson Fury's training partner and set up a mega-money clash with Anthony Joshua – but he struggled to win one round.

"I did think at the end of the day, he looked like a shot fighter to me," Warren told talkSPORT's White and Jordan on Tuesday.

"That's how he looked. And he's come out with various reasons behind the scenes, which I've heard, but the proof has got to be in the pudding.

"If he comes back and has another fight, he certainly can't have another performance like that because it will all be over.

"I think he's got a big struggle to get himself back into it. If he decides he wants to do that, I think he's got a big struggle because he certainly wasn't at the races.”

The Hall of Fame promoter was keen not to detract from Parker, who rolled back the years and set himself up for a big year in 2024 when he outpointed Wilder.

Warren said: "You can't take away what Joseph Parker did.

"Joe boxed extremely well, with them overhand rights they were throwing. They got their tactics spot on and you've got to take your hat off to them."

Warren says Wilder's proposed fight with Joshua has been shelved and will only be revisited if 'The Bronze Bomber' puts on a performance that convinces everyone he had an off night against Parker.

He added: "AJ-Wilder? To resurrect that there's got to be some sort of outstanding performance from Wilder."

After initially hinting at retirement in the ring, Wilder took to social media and promised that he would continue boxing after suffering his third career defeat.

It's currently unclear if he will try to set the record straight by rematching Parker or build himself back up by facing lower-level opposition.