Heavyweight boxing is dynamic. Over the last weekend, Deontay Wilder lost and lost in a devastating upset against Joseph Parker. To the extent that a lot of fans are now asking him to retire. The former heavyweight champion is 38 years old now and a title fight does not appear to be on the cards for him anytime soon. However, another heavyweight contender, Zhilei Zhang, weighed in on the controversy.

The Chinese boxer is on the rise and rightfully so. He has 27 bouts and 26 of them have come via knockouts, giving him an 80% knockout ratio. What is it that he has to say about Wilder? Let’s find out.

Should Deontay Wilder retire? Zhilei Zhang reflects

While taking to FightHype.com with the help of a translator a few days ago, the WBO interim heavyweight champion gave his take on Wilder’s loss to an underdog like Parker. According to Zhang, the 38-year-old’s last defeat is a major setback for him. The chances of him making a comeback and being a champion again are slim. Zhang was frank in suggesting that he thinks Wilder’s best days were behind him. However, it bears mention that he does not disregard him as a fighter and thinks the Bronze Bomber has a few more fights left for him.

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In an interview, he stated, “As a boxer, I can tell you it’s easy to fall. It’s harder to rise up. Deontay Wilder has been to the top. Right now, I would say he’s at the lower part of his career. It’s really hard to get back.” He went on to add, “Of course, he’s still a dangerous fighter and if that right hand lands on anybody, it’s going to cause problems. Rest first, make adjustments, then come back stronger.”

Zhang does make some solid points here. Moreover, his opinion is of great relevance because he is a heavyweight boxer who is closer to Wilder’s age and understands the sport and the competition. However, despite the prevalent opinion, Deontay Wilder seems to believe in himself and is in no rush to retire.

Wilder is not retiring and makes a bold claim

Despite being defeated, Wilder does not think he will retire and vows to be a world champion again. Moreover, he credits his defeat to finding peace in his life and being a content man—not an aggressive one. He stated, “I’ve got to find my killer instinct back. I’m too at peace, I’m too happy. When I had that dog in me, nobody had a chance… I will be a two-time heavyweight world champion.” 

Read more: “Future Is Not Deontay Wilder”: Eddie Hearn Mocks Hardest Puncher of Boxing History Questioning His Performance Against Joseph Parker