Malik Scott, the trainer of former WBC world heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, has urged his fighter not to let Anthony Joshua‘s speculations interfere with his upcoming fight.
After a 14-month hiatus from the ring, Wilder returned in December, only to suffer a setback with a loss to former WBO champion Joseph Parker on the judges’ scorecards.
This defeat has left Wilder contemplating his next move in his career. However, he has been presented with an opportunity for redemption with a potential matchup against Zhilei Zhang reportedly in the works.
Despite constant rumours of a fight with Anthony Joshua, the two-time heavyweight champion of the world, Scott stresses the need for Wilder to focus on the task at hand.
“While Deontay may still have his sights set on AJ, we are currently preparing for a highly challenging fight,” Scott explained to Instant Casinos. “We must prioritise the present moment, particularly after our recent performance. I want his attention solely on defeating Zhang.”
Scott emphasised the need for Wilder to channel his energy towards his upcoming opponent, highlighting the importance of Wilder’s mindset in the ring.
“We cannot afford any distractions. Deontay is returning with a vengeance. In the fight against Joseph Parker, he seemed passive, unable to unleash his full potential. But now, facing Zhang’s formidable size, power, and danger, Deontay is motivated to showcase his best performance.”
