Anthony Joshua has called on Deontay Wilder to reconsider retiring from boxing after his TKO defeat to Zhilei Zhang on Saturday night.
Wilder now has four losses in his last five fights after being stopped by Zhang in the fifth round in Saudi Arabia.
The 38-year-old, who hinted during the build-up to the fight that a loss to Zhang could mark the end of his professional career, was floored by the Chinese heavyweight with two solid right hands. Although Wilder beat the count, the fight was waved off by referee Kieran McCann.
Wilder’s long-term future in the sport looked uncertain following his defeat to Joseph Parker last December and now his loss to Zhang in Saudi Arabia’s latest blockbuster event.
However, Joshua advised Wilder not to rush into a decision to retire from boxing.
“That’s entirely up to him, I can’t say,” Joshua told DAZN when asked if Wilder should retire.
“I just look and say, ‘if you want to do it, do it,’ it’s not a big deal with boxing, if you want to fight then fight on, if you don’t want to do it anymore then don’t do it, that’s where your heart is.
“He went in there with a good fighter in Zhilei, he’s an Olympian, Zhilei, people forget that, he’s come through, he’s got great style, I fought him before in the Olympics and he’s still doing what he’s doing now, so many years later. He’s been working with a really good, experienced expert and has a great pedigree.
“It doesn’t matter, come back if you want, if not, you’ve got family there, there’s life outside of boxing for him.”
When asked if he was disappointed to see Wilder suffer a knockout loss, Joshua responded: “No, it is what it is.”
Joshua also added: “I enjoy fighting in London, I enjoy fighting out here [in Saudi Arabia], I enjoy fighting in America.
“It’s a blessing, it ain’t going to last forever, so that’s what I always say with Wilder, enjoy these moments, unfortunately, it doesn’t last forever so if he wants to do it again, give it another crack because sooner or later father time catches up with you.”
In conclusion, while Wilder’s recent losses have cast doubt on his future in boxing, Joshua’s words of encouragement highlight the unpredictable nature of the sport and the importance of savoring every moment in the ring. Whether Wilder chooses to continue or hang up his gloves, his legacy in the sport remains significant.
