4 Massive Career Defining Decisions Deontay Wilder Can Make In 2025
Deontay Wilder posted a video on November 12 on his Instagram addressing critics that say he had his run, and his time is up. The post was part of a partnership with a mental health app. In the video Wilder talked about how he is no stranger to difficult times.
"I've been through losses, way before boxing," he reminded the public. "I've been through challenges way before I stepped foot in the ring. I've been hit and knocked down way before ever putting a pair of boxing gloves on. And I'm still here, baby."
(WATCH: Wilder Tells Critics He Isn't Done Yet)
In the video it is clear that Wilder refutes the claims of being washed up. Here are four decisions that have the impact to drastically change the path of 39 year old Deontay Wilder's career.
1) Immediately Fire Malik Scott
Yeah. We're coming in hot. Wilder has lost three out of his last four (2 losses by KO) under the guidance of knockout victim turned head trainer, Malik Scott. That means Wilder has lost 75% of his fights with Scott. To be fair to Scott, he is a competent, able trainer; he's just the wrong trainer for Wilder. Let's consider Scott's performance in other sports coaching terms.
If Scott was an NBA coach, coaching 82 games, he would have coached his team to a record of 21-61.
If he was an NFL coach, coaching 17 games, he would have coached his team to a record of 4-13.
In both cases, both coaches would, at the very least, be the subject of some very intense conversations. This is if they are not flat out fired at the end of the season.
For perspective, Bears head coach Matt Eberflus was fired IMMEDIATELY following his massive blunder against the Detroit Lions. He made the type of history no coach wants to make, being the first Bears Coach to fired during a season. Drastic times call for drastic measures they say.
And truthfully, the problem seems to be that Malik Scott has turned Deontay Wilder into Malik Scott. Long gone is the razor sharp jab that made him one of the most dominant jabbers in the sport. He is now trying to be a boxer puncher, having a hard time trying to transition into a full time boxer.
2) Move Down To Cruiserweight
Wilder has always come into his fights relatively light and significantly outweighed by his opponent. Take his last three fights into consideration.
Against Zhilei Zhang:
Wilder - 214.6 pounds | Zhang - 282.8 pounds
Against Joseph Parker:
Wilder - 213 pounds | Parker - 245.3
Against Robert Helenius:
Wilder - 214.5 | Helenius - 253.25
In these three fights alone Wilder was outweighed by an average of 46 pounds. Even though the heavyweight division doesn't have a weight limit, giving up so much weight to opponents is something to be concerned about. Especially at heavyweight.
Cruiserweight is ideal for Wilder. Even down to its origin. It was originally created for smaller heavyweights who could not compete with the much bigger heavies. At a weight limit of 200 pounds, the cut would be relatively easy for Wilder. At a height of six feet seven inches, Wilder would have a major height and reach advantage over most of his opponents which he could exploit.
3) Fight In Exhibition Fights
Tyson Fury's done it. Anthony Joshua's done it. Why not join the club? It is clear to see that we are firmly in the "Exhibition Era" of boxing. While Exhibition Fights are nothing new to boxing, they seem to be happening with much more regularity. Some may say a little "too much" regularity. Whichever side you sit on as far as being for or against exhibition boxing, the spectacle they can create is undeniable. Promoters overstand this and will literally stage any event if it will be profitable. (I think I read a story a couple of months ago about a 58 year old man fighting a 27 year old man somewhere in Arlington, Texas.)
Even with some technical shortcomings, Wilder is STILL must see TV. Most, if not all, of his allure comes from the level of suspense that comes from watching one of his fights. At any given moment, the fight can violently end. And it often does. Combine the knockout tendency of Wilder and an opponent with a fan base who can hold his own, and you've got your self an event even Jake Paul would approve of. For the record, Wilder has openly said he is interested in a crossover fight against Francis Ngannou.
4) Retire
As exciting as Wilder has been (And lemme tell you buddy, Wilder was THE definition of excitement at his height) there come's a time when reality speaks louder than anyone else. It speaks in a voice that is undeniable. (I personally think Wilder has another run in him as he closes in on 40 years of age.)
The history of boxing is stuffed full of fighters, male and female alike, who were kicked out of the sport with the door slammed behind them. Truthfully, the coldness with which the head men treat fighters is hard to stomach and rationalize; Sometimes I question why I am a fan of this enigmatic sport. This realization leans into my point even further; If Wilder feels in his heart that his time in boxing is over, this Two-Time Champion should be proud of his accomplishments. He became a Champion in life, and a Champion in Boxing.
