Deontay Wilder’s dad wants trainer fired after loss to Zihei Zhang adds to boxer’s struggles

After Deontay Wilder’s fifth-round knockout loss to Zhihei Zhang, his father, Gary Wilder, has some straightforward advice for the boxer: fire your trainer.

Gary Wilder believes that Malik Scott, who took over as Deontay’s trainer in 2021, isn’t the right fit. Despite their friendship, Gary emphasizes the importance of having a trainer whom Deontay respects and views as an authority figure.

Although retirement seemed like a possibility for Deontay after his loss to Zhang, Gary Wilder believes his son still has potential and several good years ahead in his career.

However, Shelly Finkel, Deontay Wilder’s co-manager, declined to comment on Gary Wilder’s statements, asserting that Gary isn’t involved in Deontay’s boxing career.

Gary Wilder acknowledges that he’s seen less of his son since Scott replaced Mark Breland as his trainer. Still, he emphasizes that he attended Deontay’s fights upon his son’s request and even spent time in training camp before his bout against Joseph Parker in December 2023.

In response to Gary Wilder’s comments, Malik Scott remained tight-lipped, only asking, “who is Gary?” He later declined to comment further.

Gary Wilder’s main issue with Scott’s training approach is his attempt to mold Deontay into a traditional boxer, despite Deontay’s natural inclination as a slugger. Gary believes that as long as Deontay tries to conform to a boxing style, he won’t achieve success in the ring.

Despite not having spoken to Deontay since the fight, Gary plans to share his advice with his son when they next communicate.

Deontay Wilder’s professional record currently stands at 43-4-1, with 42 knockouts, one of which was against Malik Scott in 2014, where Wilder secured a first-round knockout.