“It Will Be a Painful Night”: Deontay Wilder’s Cardio Training Fails to Impress Fans Ahead of Zhilei Zhang Fight

It’s high time Deontay Wilder got back in the ring, doing what he is best at! What’s that? Knocking people out! However, his preparation for the June 1 fight against Zhilei Zhang doesn’t seem all that impressive, at least that’s what people on the web are saying. The ‘Bronze Bomber’ is on a downward spiral, at best!

After being humbled by Tyson Fury in their epic trilogy, Wilder managed to send Robert Helenius packing in the very first round. However, against Joseph Parker last year, Wilder’s power was nowhere to be seen, as the New Zealand born boxer made easy work of the hardest puncher in boxing. Yet, he’s got another shot at reclaiming his lost dominance against Parker’s last opponent Zhang in Saudi Arabia during the Matchroom vs. Queensberry 5 vs. 5 event. 

Early morning with Deontay Wilder

Hours earlier, Malik Scott hoped on his Instagram account to share a clip of Deontay Wilder working on his cardio at The Coach Lue C. Mims Jr. Athletic Complex in Central High School in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Captioning the clip, “Early morning’s [Run]… June 1st,” Scott showcased Wilder’s cardio training as the heavyweight jogged through the tracks.

The upcoming fight would be Wilder’s first bout of 2024 after staying out of the ring for six months since the Parker loss. In the meantime, the former world champion has dabbled into a career in entertainment, but nothing seems to have worked for the Tuscaloosa native. So, he is back to give the boxing thing another go, but it has failed to impress most of his fans. 

Fan complains about Wilder’s noodle legs

Once upon a time, Deontay Wilder was the top dog in the heavyweight division, but now he is barely making the top ten. Even though he’s planning a comeback, fans aren’t sure he is ready! According to one user’s suggestion, Scott might be better off encouraging Wilder to reclaim his original form rather than attempting to reshape him into a traditional boxer. “Man, listen get him back to knocking ppl out stop tryn turn him into a boxer that not his styles n to late for that s**t go back to the old u,” the user wrote. Wilder’s reputation has always been rooted in his raw brawling prowess rather than refined technical skills, which were never his forte to begin with.

Another user speculates that if Wilder doesn’t emerge victorious in the Zhang fight, perhaps it’s time for him to consider retiring from the sport. “If he doesn’t win this FIGHT, straight to retirement,” the user commented. Actually, after his loss to Parker, Wilder initially announced his retirement. However, faced with backlash from the community, he ultimately reversed his decision.

 Someone else pointed out Wilder’s particularly slender legs, suggesting that Scott should focus on strengthening and building muscle in that region. The user wrote, “He has noodle legs. Build his legs up.” However, the former champion has defeated many with the same physique, so his thin legs might not be an issue for him. 

While others were taking shots at Wilder, this user came in support of the ‘Bronze Bomber.’ The user commented, “It will be a painful night for zhang.” Still, Zhang is no easy opponent—the Chinese boxer has defeated Joe Joyce twice, and during his fight against Parker, he dropped the New Zealander several times. 

The next user took his support for the Tuscaloosa native to a whole new level, suggesting Wilder can beat Oleksandr Usyk. The user wrote, “The only person I know can beat usyk.” To put things into perspective, Usyk defeated Fury, who defeated Wilder two times—some would say even three. 

With that said, ready or not, Deontay Wilder will have to face Zhilei Zhang next month in Saudi for the Matchroom vs. Queensberry 5 vs. 5 event. And in more ways than one, the fight will decide what Wilder’s future in the sport would look like. Do you think Wilder can win?