The Day of Reckoning, which featured often-rumored opponents Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder fighting separately in co-main events, truly gave Wilder and his fans plenty to reckon with.
While Joshua dominated, Wilder sputtered to a surprising defeat by unanimous decision at the hands of Joseph Parker. The disappointing performance left more questions than answers about his future, including a potential Wilder-Joshua fight. The Bronze Bomber did his best to address the doubts in a raw Instagram video after the loss.
Wilder promises that he will be back
“I’m still full of happiness, still full of joy, still full of smiles,” said Wilder in the video. “Sorry if I let anyone down, but we’ll be back, that’s the good thing about it.”
He received support from big names like Snoop Dogg and Matt Barnes in the Instagram comments, while the majority of fans showed him support as well.
Deontay’s positivity seemed to be a product of newfound maturity. He expressed that he was excited to spend time with his family in the aftermath of the loss. Additionally, some thoughts that he offered to reporters, which did not come up in the video, suggested complacency and less certainty of a return.
“I’m a happy fighter. I’m a warrior, I’ll be back soon. And if not then, it’s been an enjoyment and a pleasure,” Wilder was quoted in The Athletic. “I appreciate everybody for the love and support over the years,”
The fight and his reaction were disappointing blows to who fans who desperately hoped for a heavyweight bout between Wilder and Joshua, but the possibility of the mega-fight still exists.