In a dramatic turn of events, Chinese heavyweight Zhilei Zhang has called on Deontay Wilder to fulfill his pre-fight promise to retire following a devastating knockout. The call came after Zhang delivered a brutal KO to the former WBC heavyweight champion during the main event of the Matchroom vs. Queensberry boxing show in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.
Wilder, who had previously stated that he would retire if he lost to Zhang, was left staggering in the ring after being hit with a powerful right hook in the fifth round. The blow left him disoriented and unable to continue, prompting the referee to stop the fight. This defeat marks Wilder’s second consecutive loss, following his previous defeat by Joseph Parker in December.
Zhang, who has now firmly positioned himself as a contender in the heavyweight division, did not hold back in his post-fight comments. “He made a promise to retire if he didn’t win, and I think he should honor that,” Zhang said through an interpreter. “It’s clear that he has taken significant damage, and it’s time for him to consider his health and his future.”
The American fighter, who once boasted an impressive 42-0-1 record with 41 knockouts, has now lost four of his last five bouts, including two defeats at the hands of Tyson Fury. Wilder’s career, once marked by his fearsome punching power, now faces uncertainty as calls for his retirement grow louder.
Heavyweight legend Lennox Lewis also weighed in on the matter, urging Wilder to step away from the sport while he still can. “There are more important things than boxing,” Lewis wrote on social media. “He has a life outside of the ring and a family to care for. It’s best to leave the sport with your faculties intact.”
As Wilder reflects on his future, the boxing community is left to wonder if this truly is the end of an era for “The Bronze Bomber.” Meanwhile, Zhang’s victory has solidified his status as a serious contender in the heavyweight division, potentially setting up high-stakes matches against other top fighters.
Anthony Joshua, who watched the fight ringside, also offered his perspective on Wilder’s future. “It’s completely up to him,” Joshua told DAZN. “If he wants to continue fighting, that’s his choice. But if he feels it’s time to step away, there’s a whole life outside of boxing waiting for him.”
As the dust settles from this latest heavyweight clash, all eyes will be on Wilder to see if he honors his retirement promise or decides to step back into the ring once more.
