Deontay Wilder has finally said goodbye to professional boxing, according to Michael Benson.

Deontay Wilder, the former WBC heavyweight champion renowned for his formidable punching power, has announced his retirement from professional boxing. This decision follows a series of challenging bouts that have significantly impacted his career trajectory.

Wilder’s recent performances have been marked by notable defeats. In December 2023, he faced Joseph Parker in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he was outboxed over 12 rounds, resulting in a unanimous decision loss with scores of 118–111, 118–110, and 120–108. This loss was unexpected, especially considering Wilder’s reputation for knockout power.

Following the loss to Parker, Wilder expressed uncertainty about his future in boxing, stating, “We’ll see what happens, we may have a little bit more left but I’ve done a great job with managing my money and investing.” He added, “I’m a warrior and I’ll be back soon, and if not, it’s been an enjoyment and a pleasure.”

In June 2024, Wilder returned to the ring to face Zhilei Zhang. Unfortunately, the bout ended in the fifth round with Wilder suffering a knockout loss. This defeat marked his fourth loss in five fights, prompting discussions about his potential retirement.

Despite these setbacks, Wilder’s team initially indicated that he had no plans to retire. His trainer, Malik Scott, mentioned in August 2024, “At this point, Deontay Wilder has not retired.”

However, after careful consideration, Wilder has now decided to retire from professional boxing. His career, spanning over 16 years, includes a remarkable record of 43 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw, with 42 victories by knockout. Wilder’s retirement marks the end of an era in the heavyweight division, leaving a legacy defined by his extraordinary knockout power and resilience