By: Sean Crose
Although a decision has not been made, former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder thinks he can retire from the ring. Known as the Bronze Bomber, Wilder was a pure knockout machine throughout his career — or at least until he fought Tyson Fury for the first time in 2018. The first fight between the two men ended in a controversial draw. The 2020 rematch saw Fury defeat Wilder epically. The third Fury-Wilder battle saw Wilder take down Fury twice, but was ultimately knocked out later in the round. He’s currently in some very serious brawls, and Wilder at least thinks it might not be worth continuing with his ring career at this point.
“It’s mixed feelings,” Wilder told Kevin Hart on Laugh out of tears “Because in the end I accomplished all my goals in this sport. I told my daughter when she was a champion and I can support her beyond her beliefs.” And, as Wilder goes on to point out, he kept his promise. “I made it,” he said. “There’s a lot of things I’ve accomplished that I (don’t) feel I have to prove to anyone because I’ve already proven it.”
Now 36 years old, Wilder finds himself at what he calls a “crossroads”. He has reached the top of the sport, but has also fallen from the top in the field of grandiose fashion. That’s hard for any athlete – and especially the case for boxers, whose careers have relied solely on physical skills. “Should I push forward?” Wilder asked eloquently. “Should I try again? Or should I retire and focus on other things I already have, other things I want to be involved in? It’s a question that only he can answer, but one that keeps fans curious.
Because, despite what others may say, Wilder is one of the greatest boxers in history. His knocking power is really scary at times. Moreover, strength is the last thing of a boxer. It also means that a boxer can change a fight in just half a second. In the end, the powerful fighters are always excited to watch, which means there will always be a fan base eager to watch them compete. Wilder, like many before it, simply had to see if the advantages of remaining in the sport outweigh the cons. Here’s hoping he makes the right choice, whatever that may be.
