Deontay Wilder hints that he could RETIRE from boxing after suffering defeat by Joseph Parker claiming ‘we’ll see what happens’… despite claims that he had ‘agreed a two-fight deal’ with Anthony Joshua
- Deontay Wilder has hinted he could retire following the loss to Joseph Parker
- The American suffered a unanimous decision defeat to Joseph Parker in Riyadh
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Deontay Wilder has hinted he could retire from professional boxing following his unanimous decision defeat to Joseph Parker, despite also claiming he had 'a little bit left'.
There were rumors this week that the American had signed a two-fight contract to step into the ring with Anthony Joshua next year, but Wilder remained coy about his future plans, claiming: 'We'll see what happens.
“We still have a little bit left, but I have managed my money very well,” he told DAZN Sports after the fight.
On whether a potential fight against Anthony Joshua could have been a distraction, he added: “A little bit. Lots of things were talked about. We make no excuses. We will definitely come back.
'We still have a little bit left. I have done an excellent job managing my money and investing. I'm a happy fighter. I'll be back soon and if not, it was a pleasure.
Deontay Wilder has hinted he could retire from professional boxing following his defeat to Joseph Parker
Wilder claimed 'We'll see what happens' before claiming that 'I have found a lot of peace and happiness in my life'
Parker earned his fourth straight victory, with his last defeat coming against Joe Joyce in 2022
The fight was judged 118-111, 118-110, 120-108 in Parker's favour, with Wilder now suffering the third defeat of his career.
The 38-year-old American, who now has a record of 43-3-1, added that while he could potentially return to the ring, he was satisfied with what he had achieved in life.
“I have found a lot of peace and happiness in my life,” he said.
'I've been wearing this smile all week. I am blessed. I've given everything I've got. You can't give up or give up, you have to keep going.”
His long-standing rival Anthony Joshua, meanwhile, will face Otto Wallin on the 'Day of Reckoning' card, but many had predicted the Briton would face Wilder next year.
Rumors circulated that they had 'made a two-fight deal' to end six years of failed negotiations.
Eddie Hearn had said before the fight that if neither fighter wins they may not meet in 2024, adding after the fight that this may have thrown a wrench into their plans for next year.
There was a lot of talk that Wilder could fight Anthony Joshua in 2024, with reports suggesting they had signed a two-fight deal
And Eddie Hearn admitted Wilder's defeat to Parker 'ruined our plans'
“I said in the run-up that I don't appreciate him,” Hearn told TNT Sports.
'Wilder had no idea, no idea. He lost every round. He raised his hand and told the referees that he had won the fight. He's not right. That's the reality.
“It was the most one-sided heavyweight fight I've ever seen. It ruined our plans. We need to let Anthony Joshua know that Wilder lost to Parker.”
He added: “We have to win this battle. And then I'm nervous.'