Deontay Wilder’s trainer, Malik Scott, insists that the former WBC heavyweight champion will fight again, with potential matchups against Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou on the horizon. However, Wilder’s performances since Scott began training him in 2021 have been underwhelming, and questions are being raised about whether Scott’s coaching has contributed to the Bronze Bomber’s recent struggles.
Wilder, who turns 39 in October, has been knocked out in three of his last five fights and hasn’t looked the same since linking up with Scott. Fans have pointed out that Wilder no longer throws his powerful right hand as frequently or fights with the same aggressive style that once made him one of the most feared punchers in boxing. Many believe that a new trainer should be a priority if Wilder is serious about continuing his career and securing the big fights against Joshua and Ngannou.
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Since hiring Scott, Wilder’s record has been 1-3, with his only win coming against his former sparring partner Robert Helenius in 2022. His losses to Zhilei Zhang, Joseph Parker, and Tyson Fury have left him looking like a shadow of the fighter who dominated the heavyweight division from 2015 to 2017. To get a fight with Joshua, Wilder may need a solid victory or two against top contenders to rebuild momentum.
Despite this, it’s clear why Scott would want Wilder to keep fighting. Wilder is a lucrative draw, and Scott doesn’t have another fighter in his stable who can bring in the kind of money that Wilder can. Still, without some strong performances, the chances of Wilder landing fights against Joshua or Ngannou remain slim.
Read more about Deontay’s career here.
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