David Haye has hailed Deontay Wilder for an “outstanding” career amid widespread expectation that the Alabama man will hang up his gloves.
Wilder hinted that his future in the sport rested on victory over Zhilei Zhang on Saturday in Saudi Arabia, however the 38-year-old was crushed in a fifth round stoppage loss, his fourth defeat in five fights.
’The Bronze Bomber’ sparred Haye in the lead-up to the Brit’s scheduled bout with Tyson Fury back in 2013, before the ‘Hayemaker’ ultimately pulled out through injury.
Haye believes the former WBC heavyweight world champion should be held in high regard, if indeed Saturday’s defeat to Zhang was his final bow.
“Deontay Wilder only took up boxing at the age of 20 to try and make some money to take care of his daughter, who was born with spina bifida,” the 43-year-old said in a post on Linkedin.
“He worked two jobs when he started boxing, as a waiter and cleaner.
“Wilder then travelled the world as a sparring partner, with one of those sparring partners being myself.
“He would go on to win a bronze medal at the 2008 Olympics.
“After winning the WBC world heavyweight title in 2015, he made 10 successful title defences.
“Whatever is next for Deontay after last night’s defeat, this is a truly outstanding career and inspiring story never to forget.”
Wilder was caught with a counter right hand by Zhang and then sent crashing to the canvas with a follow-up right and despite beating the count, referee Kieran McCann spared him from any further punishment.
‘The Bronze Bomber’ is yet to make any comment on his future plans, although the prospect of a long-awaited bout with Anthony Joshua, who was watching on from ringside looks all but over following the American’s devastating defeat.
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Joshua is now expected to face Daniel Dubois on September 21 at Wembley Stadium, after his compatriot stopped Filip Hrgovic in eight rounds to win the IBF interim heavyweight title, in a card which will be brought together by His Excellency, Turki Alalshikh, the Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia.
Undisputed heavyweight world champion, Oleksandr Usyk has requested an exception from the IBF for his belt to be on the line for his rematch with Tyson Fury on December 21, but should the governing body reject this, Joshua and Dubois could collide for the vacant IBF heavyweight crown.
“We’re gonna go and talk to His Excellency [Turki Alalshikh],” Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn told Pro Boxing Fans on Saturday.
“I’ve got to go to his for a meeting and then we’ll see what’s next.
“I think if the fight [for Joshua] against Dubois could be made for the world heavyweight title, two Brits at Wembley, could be an option.”
