The recent loss of heavyweight boxer Deontay Wilder to Joseph Parker may have come as a shock to many fans, but it doesn’t mean it’s over for the Bronze Bomber. Despite the growing belief that Wilder’s best days are behind him, boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. begs to differ. Jones Jr. argues that just because a fighter suffers a loss, it doesn’t mean they are finished.
To illustrate his point, Jones Jr. draws a comparison to UFC fighters such as Conor McGregor and Georges St-Pierre, who have multiple losses on their records but continue to put on entertaining fights. Jones Jr. questions why boxers can’t do the same. He emphasizes that a single loss should not define Wilder’s entire career.
Focus and Overkill
Jones Jr. believes that Parker was a formidable opponent who was able to go toe-to-toe with Wilder and come out on top. However, he suggests that Wilder may not have been as focused as he would be against a higher-profile opponent like Tyson Fury. He stresses the importance of being in a state of overkill when facing tough competitors, implying that Wilder may not have approached the fight with the same intensity.
Contrary to popular opinion, Jones Jr. firmly believes that Wilder is not washed up. He argues that Wilder simply needs a fight that truly intrigues him and reignites his passion for the sport. Jones Jr. sees potential for Wilder to bounce back from his recent loss and prove that he still has what it takes to be an elite fighter.
Next Steps
While Wilder takes time to regroup and find his next opponent, Jones Jr. has his own fighters to watch. Undefeated super middleweight Andrew Murphy is set to face Devontae McDonald in a 10-round bout at Legends Casino in Toppenish, Washington. Additionally, Indian boxer Mandeep Jangra will be facing Gerardo Esquivel. Jones Jr. sees shades of himself in Jangra’s fighting style, making the matchup all the more intriguing.
It is premature to write off Deontay Wilder’s career based on a single loss. Roy Jones Jr. reminds us that even the best fighters experience defeats and that it is the ability to bounce back and continue delivering exciting fights that sets them apart. Wilder still has much to offer the boxing world, and with the right opponent, he can once again showcase his elite skills. Let’s not count him out just yet.
Leave a Reply