Deontay Wilder’s decision to keep his team intact has resonated with the boxing industry far more than his initial reaction.
Much was made of Wilder’s post-fight comments—both immediately and in the days that followed surrounding his 7th round knockout loss to Tyson Fury in their rematch this past February in Las Vegas. The defeat was the first as a pro for Alabama’s Wilder, a 2008 Olympic Gold medalist and long-reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight titlist who was outgunned from the opening bell his second fight with England’s Fury (30-0-1, 21KOs).
By his own admission, Wilder (42-1-1, 41KOs) didn’t feel like himself even before the opening bell, which–if anything—should have validated the decision made by assistant trainer Mark Breland to literally throw in the towel. Instead, the former titlist tabbed as arguably the biggest puncher in heavyweight history insisted he was denied both a puncher’s chance to turn things around—similar to his late-fight theatrics in an eventual split decision draw with Fury in the first fight nearly 15 months prior—and the willingness to go out on his shield.
Empathy has been offered in understanding his attempting to cope with his first defeat, but little in the way of agreeing with his claims beyond that. The latest piece of news to keep Breland on board, however, carries the suggestion that calmer heads have since prevailed amongst his immediate team.
“At this point, [Breland] is the only member ofDeontayWilder’s camp who has a high amount of experience in the fight game, as a coach and having been a fighter himself,” former two-time welterweight titlist and current top contender Shawn Porter (30-3-1, 17KOs) stated during the most recent edition of Fox Sports’ InsidePBC Boxing, for which he serves as an expert analyst. “He understands the ins and outs it takes for Deontay Wilder, and he understands what he was seeing that night.”
As much was shared by his in-studio partner.
“I think it was the smartest thing to do,” noted Abner Mares, a former three-division titlist and who’s previously stated he’d want his corner to react in the same fashion if he were ever in the same predicament, even if against his will. “I think he was gonna get a lot of heat from it if he (fired Breland). We all know the coach is there for the best interest of the fighter.
“Cooler heads have prevailed. Wilder is [calmer], he knew that what (Breland) did was right, he made the right call.”
Wilder has since exercised a contract clause which called for the losing fighter to demand an immediate third fight, which is rumored to take place July 18 and once again in Las Vegas. It has yet to be determined if he enters with the same exact team in place—which also includes career-long head trainer Jay Deas—or if he plans to add another voice in the corner to his current crew.
Fury switched trainers ahead of the rematch, amicably parting ways with Ben Davison—whom the two-time and reigning lineal heavyweight champion credits for his physical turnaround–in favor of the more aggressive coaching style of Kronk Gym disciples Javan ‘SugarHill’ Steward and former middleweight titlist Andy Lee.
Jake Donovan is a senior writer for BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
