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NORTHPORT, ALABAMA – NOVEMBER 05: Deontay Wilder participates in a media workout at New Era Boxing & Fitness on November 05, 2019 in Northport, Alabama. (Photo by David A. Smith/Getty Images)
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NORTHPORT, ALABAMA – NOVEMBER 05: Deontay Wilder participates in a media workout at New Era Boxing & Fitness on November 05, 2019 in Northport, Alabama. (Photo by David A. Smith/Getty Images)
Deontay Wilder’s coach Malik Scott spoke out on the PBC podcast and commented on Wilder’s ability to take a shot. As ‘The Bronze Bomber’ readies himself to take on Tyson Fury for a third time, questions have come up regarding his durability. Wilder suffered a brutal seventh-round TKO loss to Fury the first time and fans are concerned about his chin.
Furthermore, Wilder ate some heavy blows from Fury prior to getting finished and people are wondering if his chin is shot. For a fighter with Deontay Wilder’s style, having an iron chin is essential for being successful. However, Wilder’s trainer, Malik Scott is largely unbothered by these concerns and is confident in Wilder’s ability to eat a shot.
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 22: Tyson Fury knocks down Deontay Wilder in the fifth round during their Heavyweight bout for Wilder’s WBC and Fury’s lineal heavyweight title on February 22, 2020 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
“He has the best chin in the division. Take last fight away. In first Fury fight he got hit, but not how people get punched in this division. Tall, rangy, incredible head movement when he wants to use it – he doesn’t get hit.”
Given that the Alabama native has had long lay-off, the general understanding is that his chin has healed up. He took quite a bit of punishment in his bouts with Luis Ortiz as well and there are many unanswered questions. The trilogy bout will be extremely defining for Deontay Wilder’s career going forward.
Deontay Wilder's trainer Malik Scott: "He has the best chin in the division. Take last fight away. In first Fury fight he got hit, but not how people get punched in this division. Tall, rangy, incredible head movement when he wants to use it – he doesn't get hit." [PBC Podcast]
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) July 31, 2021
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Can Deontay Wilder reclaim his belt and former glory?
At one point, Deontay Wilder was looked at as the most ferocious heavyweight fighter since Mike Tyson was in his prime. ‘The Bronze Bomber’ was revered for his Semtex-laden fists that could knock out top fighters with ease. Not to mention, he had the look and overall aura to appeal to the mainstream audience, thus making him a star.
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 18: Deontay Wilder looks at the crowd and celebrates after knocking out Dominic Breazeale in the first round during their bout for Wilder’s WBC heavyweight championship at Barclays Center on May 18, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Anthony Geathers/Getty Images)
However, his loss to Tyson Fury via TKO went a long way in setting him back. A section of the fanbase simply doesn’t see him in the same light anymore. However, all that can change if he can land a fight-ending blow on Fury in the trilogy.
This is easier said than done as Tyson Fury is on top of his game. ‘The Gypsy King’ is well sized as a heavyweight and his ring generalship has given the Alabama native problems in the past. It will be a battle of wits to see if Wilder can reclaim his spot as the head honcho.
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