Deontay Wilder is certain that his next stint in the ring could be his last if he fails to conquer it. While official details of his upcoming fight against Zhilei Zhang remain under wraps, he confirmed that it is indeed happening and that it holds much significance in his career.

It is reported that Wilder and his Chinese opponent will face off on June 1st in a Riyadh clash as part of the 5 vs. 5 tournament between Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions. As part of the wildcard heavyweight pick for both stables, Frank Warren chose Zhilei Zhang while in an unlikely move, Hearn brought in the Bronze Bomber to take on Zhang. But what does this fight mean for Wilder who has lost his last fight and in many people’s opinion should now be considering retirement?

Do or Die for Deontay Wilder

In a video posted by Fight Hype from the official press conference for the 5 vs. 5 event, the Alabama hard hitter gave an emotional speech outlining the slump he’s been experiencing in his career lately. Ever since he lost his world title to Tyson Fury in 2020-21, Wilder has been the scourge of criticism. Last year, he lost to Kiwi fighter, Joseph Parker, furthering these attacks on him.

“I’m looking forward for the fight. I respect Zhang. He’s a good fighter, and I respect him for that. But it’s my time, you know? I’ve been through a lot. You understand me? I’ve had to regroup, I’ve had to get myself together and things don’t change overnight. Things don’t change for the next fight too. So, you have to keep working, you have to keep pushing, until you get what you want. I’m at this point where I’m narrowing it down and come the night of the fight, we will see if I got it or not,” he expressed in a somber tone, sitting beside Eddie Hearn.

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He further added, “This fight, I’m holding it as my last chance, and that’s what I’m taking it accordingly. I’m just ready to do what I’m known to do, you understand? To be the Wilder that I am.”

The pair-up between Hearn and Wilder was so strange that even boxing reporter Michael Benson expressed his disbelief in a tweet. He noted, “Deontay Wilder fighting for Eddie Hearn… anything is possible in boxing these days.” This is an exciting turn of events, as the promoter had something else to add about the match-up too.

“I’d be honored”, says Eddie Hearn

To Pro Boxing Fans, in a fresh conversation, the Matchroom head explained, “Apparently, you know, I mean if Deontay Wilder represents Matchroom, I’d be shocked but I’d be honored.”

Wilder and Hearn have remained on the edge for a while. The promoter’s marquee fighter, Anthony Joshua, has been the scorned rival of Wilder for almost a decade now. A fight between them has been in the making for many years now. While it was scheduled for March this year, it fell through after Wilder’s loss to Parker in December. He had to win that fight and ‘AJ’ needed to defeat Otto Wallin in their ‘Ring of Fire’ card. While AJ kept his end of the bargain, Wilder failed.

Do you think Deontay Wilder will be able to defeat Zhilei Zhang this time around? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.