Perplexed, underconfident, and maybe reluctant too—Deontay Wilder‘s performance against Zhilei Zhang could be summed up in these words. The American boxer, who carved out a reputation as the hardest hitter in the division, is finding it hard to pull punches in the squared circle. With another loss, he has dropped to 1-4 in his last five fights. All this begs a question. Is it time up for the former WBC champion?

Wilder, 38, had admitted entertaining the idea of retirement before he matched ‘Big Bang’ on June 1. He believed a loss against the Chinese fighter could make retirement a possible route next. “If I don’t get the win, ah, we don’t know where we’ll go from here. Retirement could be a very big and serious conversation,” Wilder had declared.

With another loss in his bag from an underwhelming outing, Lennox Lewis wants Wilder to stick to his decision. Calling it a “wise” call, the British boxing legend considered it the best time to bow out of the grueling sport, without sustaining any dangerous injuries. He also thought Wilder had earned himself some time off for his family, especially his daughter. Lewis, 58, turned to his X handle and declared, “The @BronzeBomber told us before the fight that he would retire if he didn’t win.”

“I think that’s a wise decision. He’s more than carved out a life in which he can take care or his daughter, so before he suffers any more damage, it’s best to leave the game with ur faculties intact because there’s a LOT more life to live after boxing. #zhangwilder #riyadhseason.”

Wilder, at 43-4-1, picked up boxing at 20 to make ends meet and ensure a bright future for his daughter, Naieya. ‘The Bronze Bomber’ was juggling jobs as a waiter and a truck driver to feed his family before he found his calling in boxing. He would go on to collect an Olympic medal and a WBC heavyweight title as well. However, Wilder now finds himself at crossroads. While he has been tight-lipped about his retirement plans, many point toward his recent drop in confidence as to why a retirement call might be on its way. Eddie Hearn is one such voice.

Deontay Wilder’s uncertain future: Eddie Hearn casts his opinion

The Matchroom Boxing head honcho has openly vented his apprehensions about Wilder’s diminishing returns. Wilder’s fight against Joseph Parker asked questions about his dwindling boxing prowess after dropping two fights to Tyson Fury. Hearn said, “Does he not have it anymore? I don’t know. For me, it’s a personal decision for Deontay [Wilder].”

“He tried, tried to convince himself, tried in the ring… but just couldn’t do it. I just wonder whether he’s the same fighter that he was,” the British promoter added. It remains to be seen whether Wilder will hang up his gloves soon or will hang around for a bit more.

What do you make of these comments by Lennox Lewis about Deontay Wilder? Do you believe Wilder should reflect on his career and call it quits? Let us know in the comments below.