Written by: Sean Crose
Deontay Wilder was once considered one of the best heavyweights in the world. Indeed, the man was like that. The power of the Alabama native was so strong that it was argued that the man was the hardest puncher in the history of boxing. Three brutal fights with Tyson Fury, however, and a loss to Joseph Parker, appear to have affected Wilder, as the former WBC heavyweight champion was knocked out and then stopped by Zhilei Zhang in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.
The first round was an interesting affair with each man trying to show a little success. Both fighters, however, were clearly eager to get their fists out. Zhang had Wilder cornered in the second and really started to unload on the former champion. Wilder managed to break free, but found himself back in the corner again moments later. Zhang managed to keep up with Wilder in the third. The China-based New Jersey heavyweight was carrying the fight from the man known as “The Bronze Bomber.”
By the fourth it was clear that Wilder did not look like his former self. Also, Wilder has often looked less than stellar during his time while still managing to win in thunderous fashion. With that being said, Wilder decided to go back into hunting mode for the fifth time. Still, he couldn't make much happen. Wilder was then dropped by a Zhang arrow. The gutsy Alabaman was able to hit the count, but the referee wisely stepped in and stopped the fight.
It's hard to imagine Wilder returning to his former glory at this point. First of all, he is two years shy of forty. In addition, his body took a lot of damage during his three battles against Fury. These things can count for something. Finally, Wilder may have lost his edge. Again, there were times when Wilder found himself challenged, but this guy always made it happen before the final bell. The last time Wilder's power got him out of trouble was when he sent Fury to the mat in their first fight. And that happened years ago. He was a formidable boxer in his prime, but Wilder's time at the top of the symbolic heap may be over.
Here's to Zhang and his best performance this weekend.
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