Wilder opens up on ‘rebuilding’ himself forward of Zhang battle

Deontay Wilder believes he has ‘rebuilt’ himself ahead of his must-win fight against China’s Zhilei Zhang on Saturday night in Saudi Arabia.

The American heavyweight is due to return to the ring for the first time since losing to Joseph Parker in December, scuppering plans for a mouthwatering showdown with Anthony Joshua.

Wilder looked strangely out of sorts during that bout, and hinted that he could retire in the immediate aftermath of the defeat, but has since chosen to fight on.

Reflecting on what he has done in the five months since that setback, Wilder explained that he has been focusing on getting his mindset right and proving his defeat by Parker was simply an off-night.

‘I haven’t travelled personally in a while, (I’ve) been basically remodeling myself, rebuilding myself and everything around me,’ he told Mail Sport.

Deontay Wilder (second right) is due to face Zhilei Zhang (left) in Saudi Arabia on Saturday

Wilder lost his last fight against Joseph Parker (right) but claims he has rebuilt himself since

‘It’s been a lot of things going on. You know, as fighters, a few of us are businessmen. Outside of things, we have things going on. Business-wise, most of us are family men, have to take care of the family. 

‘And then you have your personal stuff that you have to deal with as well. So, you know, it’s a lot of adjustment in life that you have to deal with.’

Fans were left baffled by Wilder’s display last time out, with the former world champion seemingly unwilling to let his hands go throughout the fight.

Wilder revealed beforehand that he had travelled to Central America to try the psychedelic drug Ayahuasca – an ancient drink made from boiled leaves that release psychoactive properties – which had left him ‘reborn’, but his trainer Malik Scott suggested after the fight that it suppressed his ‘violent instinct’ when he took on Parker.

Despite concerns that it hindered his performance in the ring, Wilder insists he still feels there are benefits from taking the psychedelic drug, and plans to try it again in the future.

‘I’m looking to go back real soon. I got Gary. He’s the owner of it out there in Costa Rica, and he always hit me up,’ Wilder said. 

‘He just wants to get that heads up when I head back out that way. And I’m looking forward to (it), I may do it after this fight.’

Zhang is also looking to bounce back from losing to Parker in March, and Saturday’s main event looks almost certain to end early, with Wilder and Zhang having 63 knockouts between them.

Psychedelic drink Ayahuasca is made by boiled leaves to release psychoactive properties

Wilder’s trainer Malik Scott (pictured) suggested it took away his fighter’s ‘violent instinct’ 

But Wilder has revealed he plans to try it again, potentially after his fight with Zhang

Wilder, 38, looked far from his intimidating best against Parker, but is adamant he will put that behind him and beat Zhang to get himself back in the title picture.

‘My last fight, I was ready. I was ready, but when I got in the ring, I couldn’t pull the trigger,’ Wilder claimed.

‘Maybe it was caused by a long lay-off. It could be a little rust. But at this point in time, if I didn’t go through that lesson right there. I wouldn’t receive the blessing where I am right now. 

‘But after that, I went home that following week, that Monday, I hit the ground, running, training, doing everything, going to therapy, everything. 

Zhang also lost his last fight against Parker in December, but is known as a big puncher

Wilder will have to be at his best to win, and claimed he is ‘on a mission’ to silence his doubters

‘So I’ve been going non-stop since then, because I’m on a mission. And at this point in time, come June 1, we’ll see what happens. 

‘The Bronze Bomber is back. I can feel it.’