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Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang engaged in a thrilling heavyweight boxing match on Saturday evening. Wilder fought hard but lost in the fifth round round after Zhang brutally knocked him out. Of course, the jarring end to the fight has social media in a daze.
Zhilei Zhang gave a near-perfect counter to one of Wilder's punches in the fifth round, leaving him stunned. Zhang quickly rushed in and delivered a right hand that sent Wilder to the ground. Wilder gathered himself and stood up but was unsteady. As a result, the official called the match, which led to a crucial win for Zhang.
The defeat was the fourth fight Deontay Wilder lost in his last five matches. Fans on social media applauded Zhang for his outstanding effort but were equally as critical of Wilder's performance.
“He's 38 and rapidly declining offensively and defensively,” one X user commented. “Too small for heavyweight. [His] chin is gone, [and] he doesn't even throw punches anymore.”
“Is this the end of Deontay Wilder's career?” another fan boldly proposed.
Others criticized Wilder's technique and approach.
“Wilder's technique is catching up with him in his old age. Can only get away with 1 punching people for so long. When the power is gone, it's time to wrap it up,” an X user said.
Many fans noted that Wilder has not been the same since his loss to Tyson Fury.
“I said it many times before. After Wilder's first loss against Tyson, he became a shell of himself. He remained in the game only for money, knowing he could never regain the title,” one fan claimed.
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Despite harsh reactions from fans, Zhilei Zhang gave Wilder a lot of credit.
Zhilei Zhang gives Deontay Wilder credit after brutal knockdown
Zhang had a standout defensive night and countered when it mattered most. Nevertheless, he gave Wilder respect after the fight.
“I give him a lot of respect. He's a heavy puncher…I successfully took his right hand away,” Zhang said, per ESPN.
Zhang entered the fight as ESPN's No. 6 heavyweight. He won a silver medal as a super heavyweight at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Meanwhile, Wilder had claimed bronze in the heavyweight division. Zhang's victory has put him on what he calls the “road to champion.” He aspires to face Oleksandr Usyk, who beat Tyson Fury for the undisputed heavyweight championship in Riyadh in May.
It remains to be seen what Deontay Wilder's next move will be. He took a tough loss, but it is never too late to bounce back. Will fans see him in another high-level boxing match soon?
