Boxing Promoter Hearn Questions Wilder’s Decline After Knockout Loss

Renowned boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has expressed doubts about Deontay Wilder’s current abilities, following the former WBC heavyweight champion’s knockout loss to Zhilei Zhang on Saturday night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Wilder, who held the WBC title from 2015 to 2020, was stopped for the third time in his career, this time in the fifth round by the much heavier Zhang. The defeat marked a clean sweep for Queensberry Promotions over Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing in the 5 vs 5 event.

Hearn’s Assessment of Wilder’s Performance

Despite Wilder’s objections to the stoppage, the 38-year-old appeared frustrated and unsteady on his feet after being floored heavily. Hearn, who previously entrusted Wilder as the team captain for Matchroom Boxing, shared his honest assessment of the former champion’s performance.

“Just not the same in all honesty,” Hearn told Fight Hub TV. “I just feel his belief is not there anymore, and you’ve got to ask yourself why? Is it just the time, is something else not right?”

Hearn pointed out that Wilder’s trademark power and aggression were notably absent, stating, “He is not letting his hands go, and that is what made him one of the most feared fighters in the world.”

Wilder’s Recent Form

With four losses in his last five fights, Wilder’s recent form has been a cause for concern. His lone victory came against Robert Helenius in October 2022, but he has since suffered defeats to Tyson Fury and Joseph Parker.

“He is not the fighter he was, at the moment,” Hearn concluded. “People come back, but it is deep in the road.”

The future of the 38-year-old Wilder remains uncertain, as the once-dominant heavyweight contender grapples with a troubling trend of losses that could potentially signal the end of his storied career.

🔗 Source