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Training Camp
Violence.”
That’s the word Demarius “Coach Cuz” Hill used to describe Deontay “Bronze Bomber” Wilder’s training
camp over the past two months. Hill, who owns and operates New Era Boxing and Fitness in Northport
and serves as Camp Coordinator for Wilder should know. He’s been a part of Wilder’s team for over 12
years.
“I haven’t seen this level of intensity in a camp for a while,” continued Hill.
Wilder vs Zhang
Wilder (43-3-1, 42 KOs) will take on China’s Zhilei Zhang (26-2-1, 21 KOs) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on June 1st.
Background
Both men are coming off losses to WBO Interim Heavyweight Champion Joseph Parker, who won both by decision. Wilder and Zhang need a win to remain relevant in the heavyweight division.
The fight is part of what is billed as a 5×5 card. On the card, five of the fights will feature boxers representing either Queensbury Promotions fighters or Matchroom fighters. There is a point system involved with the most successful promotion winning $3 million bonus to be spread amongst the winning fighters.
Wilder held the WBC Heavyweight belt from 2015-2020 before losing to Tyson Fury. While he has lost 3
of his last 4 bouts, the Parker loss seems to have served as a wake-up call. He started training
immediately after.
Motivation
“I’ve been training non-stop since my last fight. We’ve been getting back to the basics, working on
fundamentals,” Wilder said about his camp for this fight.
Trainer Malik Scott concurred, “Deontay dedicated himself six months ahead of time. The mentality
change in this camp compared to the (Joseph Parker) camp. He can admit and I can admit we lost that
hunger. This lesson was learned and he’s rejuvenated. This camp is the most focused I’ve seen him since
the (Bermaine) Stiverne fight. The switch is back on and Deontay is very violent. He’s back to his old
self.”
This return to form by Wilder was shared by Trainer Jay Deas as well. Deas has been with Wilder since
his amateur career started.
“We got back to the basics and the intensity level is up,” said Deas, “The focus was better and it’s going
to pay dividends in the ring.”
Wilder was at a crossroads after the Parker loss, seeming to be considering retiring. However, he told
Dan Rafael on his Big Fight Weekend Boxing Podcast that he got some great advice from former
champion Wladamir Klitschko on what to do to improve. That seems to have served Wilder well.
Seeking Redemption
But Wilder won’t be the only fighter in the ring looking for redemption. Zhang is attempting a comeback
too. At 41 years old and Wilder at 38, both fighters may be facing the last gasp to fight for a title and
those dreams could evaporate with a loss on Saturday.
At the press conference on Thursday, Zhang attacked Wilder for being the captain of the Matchroom
side, saying Matchroom head Eddie Hearn only wanted “to kiss (Wilder’s) ass.” That could only serve as
further motivation for Wilder who held back from attacking Zhang during the presser.
Another storyline developed on Friday at the weigh-in. Wilder came in at 214.5 and Zhang at 282.75.
Wilder has been around this weight for most of his career while Zhang has been over 280 lbs since his
September 2023 bout. The 68-pound difference will be the largest Wilder has faced in 14 years. The
question becomes if the extra weight has been slowing down Zhang and if the difference will cost Wilder
the power needed to knockout the Chinese fighter.
U.S. Viewers can stream the Pay-Per-View on DAZN.US for $69.99. The card starts at 1 PM Eastern Time.
Viewers can expect the Wilder-Zhang fight after 3 PM Eastern.
