Milwaukee Bucks’ Damian Lillard Voices Support for Deontay Wilder Following KO Defeat to Zhilei Zhang
Recently, Deontay Wilder suffered a knockout loss to Zhilei Zhang during their fight in Saudi Arabia. As a dedicated boxing fan, Milwaukee Bucks’ Damian Lillard offered his support to Wilder after the crushing defeat.
In the fifth round of the match, Zhang knocked out Wilder with 1:51 remaining. This marks Wilder’s fourth loss in five matches, prompting many fans and critics to speculate that his career as a professional boxer might be over.
Milwaukee Bucks’ Damian Lillard
On December 29, 2023, in Cleveland, Ohio, Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen during the second half at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports.
Prior to the match, Wilder had stated that the bout could either make or break him and even considered the possibility of retirement. This notion gained traction after the Chinese boxer landed two right hooks in the fifth round, leading to Wilder’s fall.
The defeat brought the 38-year-old Wilder’s record to 43-4-1, while the 41-year-old Zhang from China improved his record to 27-2-1. Additionally, Zhang weighed in at 282 pounds compared to Wilder’s 214 pounds before the fight.
Bucks Guard Damian Lillard Backs Deontay Wilder After KO Defeat to Zhilei Zhang
On October 9, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury engage in their WBC/Lineal heavyweight championship boxing match at T-Mobile Arena. Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports.
Following the match, Lillard shared his thoughts on social media, expressing his support for Wilder, much like he did after Tyson Fury’s match. In a message for Wilder, the All-Star point guard conveyed his encouragement to the former heavyweight champion.
Beyond commenting on Wilder and Fury’s matches, Lillard also shared his views on the upcoming fight between Gervonta Davis and Frank Martin, advising the champion not to underestimate his challenger.
On February 22, 2020, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Tyson Fury celebrates with his trainer SugarHill Steward after defeating Deontay Wilder in their WBC heavyweight title bout at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports.
Despite the possibility that Wilder’s boxing career might be ending, there is still much for boxing fans to anticipate. With an extended offseason for Lillard and the Bucks, there will be ample opportunity for him to follow these matches closely.
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