Deontay Wilder looked a shadow of himself as he lost almost every round against Joseph Parker last December, leading fans to question what exactly has happened to the man that was once arguably the most feared force in the heavyweight division.
Though Wilder has featured in several fights where he’s been well down on the cards, there was always the looming sense he would detonate his trademark right hand.
That menace looked to have gone missing last time out in Riyadh – and Carl Froch believes he knows why.
‘The Bronze Bomber’ cut a much more peaceful figure in the build up to his meeting with Parker, and had spoke of taking part in a life-changing psychedelic ceremony in the months prior.
And Froch explained on Talksport how that experience, alongside Wilder’s two drubbings at the hands of Tyson Fury, may have zapped away the American’s “killer instinct.”
“I feel like Wilder is done. He did that ayahuasca ceremony which makes your body release DMT, once you’ve done that, you’re a different person.
“You have a spiritual awakening, You’re not a killer anymore. He’s at peace.
“That killer instinct was gone. If he doesn’t get that back he’s in trouble, his legs looked skinny, and he doesn’t look like a fighter anymore.
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“Maybe those three fights with Fury dragged that out of him. You leave a bit of yourself in there each time you fight.”
Despite Froch and others having big doubts over just how much Wilder has left in the tank, he has confirmed in recent weeks that he will not be hanging up the gloves and hopes to reach the pinnacle of the heavyweight division once again.
Deontay Wilder back in training following his loss to Joseph Parker 🥊
Who do you want to see him fight next? 🤔#DeontayWilder | #BoxingNews pic.twitter.com/Y9PmaeWFqI
— IFL TV (@IFLTV) February 9, 2024
The former WBC world champion had agreed a deal to face Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia this year, however his defeat to Parker has rendered a long overdue meeting with ‘AJ’ dead in the water for the time being.
Fast approaching 40 years of age, it would be difficult to blame those who feel we’ve seen the last of the murderous puncher who quickly accumulated one of the most impressive highlight reels of all-time.
