Deontay Wilder will regain the heavyweight title, says a former opponent speaking exclusively to World Boxing News.
Eric Molina, who shared 25 minutes and three seconds in the ring with Wilder a decade ago, says Wilder has the power to punch his way to two-time champion status.
Wilder is on a poor streak, having only won once since 2019. He returns on June 27 against Tyrrell Herndon, aiming to make it two wins from six bouts.
The Bronze Bomber was once the most talked-about knockout artist globally. However, his star has waned considerably since a trilogy with Tyson Fury.
That solitary victory against Robert Helenius followed two defeats to Fury. Wilder then faced Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang, losing a unanimous decision before a wipeout stoppage to the Chinese juggernaut.
Molina, who hit the canvas twice against the Alabama slammer at Bartow Arena in Birmingham, believes Wilder still has plenty to offer the sport at 39.
“Obviously, those last two fights were not the best result for him, but to be honest, Parker and Zhang were both very tough fights for him stylistically,” Molina told World Boxing News.
“I think the matchup style didn’t suit him at all, mostly due to Zhang’s size and southpaw stance, and with Parker’s boxing skill and athleticism.”
When asked about Wilder’s comeback opponent choice, ‘The Drummer Boy’ replied, “I think it’s a good move for Wilder.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for him to work on some stuff and go out and try to execute it.”
Many see Fury as the significant reason for Wilder’s decline after the pair shared three brutal bouts between 2018 and 2021.
However, the former Texas cruiserweight champion and two-time world title challenger says detractors can’t write Wilder off due to his one-punch KO abilities.
“I don’t think he should have retired after Fury. I think he can put it together and become a champion again,” predicted Molina.
“Why not? Others have done it in heavyweight boxing history. With his power, he can definitely tweak some stuff, move forward, and become champion again,” he added.
Molina, who turned pro in 2007 on a Mandalay Bay fight card in Las Vegas, has had 38 bouts during his professional boxing career, but is coming to the end of his tenure.
He challenged Wilder and Anthony Joshua in high-profile world title fights and holds a 29-9 boxing record. Molina says there may be one final chapter to come.
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Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay and learn more about the author, an experienced boxing writer and World Boxing News Editor since 2010.
