Wilder Considers Retirement After 16-Year Pro Career

Deontay Wilder says he could end his 16-year professional career and retire if he loses his fight against Zhilei Zhang on Saturday night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Wilder says he's in a position to win his twelve-round fight against two-time Olympian 'Big Bang' Zhang, and he clearly is. Promoter Eddie Hearn chose him for the event, and it seems that he was chosen only because of his name recognition to attract fans to order the fight on PPV.

This fight that will take place on Saturday for Wilder in the 5 vs. 5 Matchroom vs. Queensberry on DAZN PPV will determine if he has anything left at 38.

Wilder's Recent Struggles and Retirement Speculation

In a heated interview this week, Wilder sounded like he was trying to convince himself that he was still a hero. What took him back four years ago was trying to please people. I hate to say it, but Bronze Bomber Wilder sounds hopelessly cheated.

Deontay's record in his last four fights, 1-3, suggests that he is no longer a top heavyweight, and may not have been ranked number one in his five years.

Fans have been calling for Wilder, 38, the former WBC heavyweight champion (43-3-1, 42 KOs) to retire for three years starting in 2021. He is only two fights from now and is coming off the lead losing to Joseph Parker last time out. December looking washed out.

Combat Pressure You Must Overcome

“It's going to be a different fight this time, and if it's not a different fight, retirement is a big consideration,” said Deontay Wilder speaking to DAZN Boxing about his Saturday night fight against Zhilei Zhang.

“Yes, I think so, and I like that pressure because when you're under pressure, it gives you the best if you really want it,” said Wilder when asked if this is the fight to win.

“I want to show people that I can bring the man they expected. You have to have the mentality of an assassin hero. You just have to have it. Only the strong survive in this business, and if you don't have that killer mentality, you won't last long.

“Returning it was to talk to Turki, Your Honor. They don't want a peaceful Wilder. It's all about war,” said Wilder.