Deontay Wilder believes he’s in a do or die moment at this point in his career.
Now just a couple of days away from his return to the ring, Deontay Wilder talks about his upcoming fight against Zhilei Zhang, bringing back his ferocious attitude, and why this fight in particular could determine his future in the sport. Check out some of what he had to say below.
Wilder on what he’s bringing into this fight that makes him better than before
“The savagery. The savage of the Bronze Bomber is back. I was at peace, you know. I was at too much peace, and war and peace don’t mix. The only time war and peace mix is when the war is over and victory has been claimed.
“Many times I was crucified, my name was drug through the dirt for how savage my mind was, what I did to people, what I said to people…so now I’m in an environment full with people that [don’t] want the peace, they said ‘no more Mr. Nice Guy.’”
On what a loss to Zhang would mean for his career
“I’ve had a successful career and this is a do or die moment for me. And I don’t think the heavyweight division is as exciting without Deontay Wilder in it. But come Saturday night we will see. Will I prevail, will I succeed? Who knows. But Saturday night is the true answer and we gonna see.
“This could be the end of the career. This could be the final goodbye, the farewell of Deontay Wilder — if I lose. If I win, I prevail, of course I go on to bigger and better things.”
On what fight he would most want should he beat Zhang
“I want to have the fights that I haven’t fought before. Of course I’m still in this business to gain titles, I want my name on the list of a unified champion. That’s what I want the most. But I would love to fight the guys that I haven’t fought to say I fought everyone, that’s my true wishes.”
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