He won a split decision recently against Derek Chisora of the UK but the American heavyweight was far from the old days.
The days where he’d knock people out almost with a jab.
The days where he would knock people into next week with even a glancing blow.
The days that made him known for being the biggest puncher of all time in boxing history that left people on stretchers.
When his power landed recently Chisora often went nowhere, despite scoring one knockdown against him.
Here are 20 short reasons why many believe Deontay Wilder (age 40) is past his best:
- Age 40 — Natural decline for heavyweights hits hard after 35-37.
- Record since 2020 — 2-4 in last 6 fights (1-4 before recent Chisora win).
- Losses to top guys — Stopped twice by Fury, outboxed by Parker, stopped by Zhang.
- No longer one-punch KO threat — Rarely finishes elite opponents cleanly anymore.
- Fights go the distance — Went 12 tough rounds vs. aging Chisora in April 2026.
- Slower reflexes — Gets hit more often and can’t avoid danger like before.
- Diminished chin — Taken heavy punishment in recent losses.
- Lower output — Less aggressive, fewer bombs thrown per round.
- Struggles vs. pressure — Chisora and Zhang exposed his lack of defense.
- Trainer carousel — Multiple changes haven’t restored prime form.
- Personal issues — Admitted mental and life problems affected performance.
- Power fading — Still dangerous, but not the “equalizer” it once was.
- Slow starts — Often needs rounds to warm up, risky at this level.
- Beaten by younger fighters — Zhang and others showed clear athletic edge.
- Decision wins — Recent victories (Herndon, Chisora) weren’t dominant.
- No title contention — Far from challenging Usyk/Fury/Joshua seriously.
- Reduced speed — Jab and footwork noticeably slower.
- High KO ratio dropping — Not stopping quality opposition consistently.
- Looks labored — Moves and punches lack the old snap and explosiveness.
- Boxing experts agree — Most analysts say his prime was 2015-2019.
The dust has settled on his fight with Chisora now.
He will fight on of course but that doesn’t mean he should. His health is ultimately something more valuable to him but let’s see what happens next.
Who knows what could happen Deontay Wilder this year.
Alas, Deontay Wilder for us is past his best days.
Not the case for boxing however as a sport however.
We are only just getting started and are back to the masses already and much more ahead shortly for the entire sport returning to huge worldwide prominence.
