Just recently, Deontay Wilder lost via knockout to Zhilei Zhang during their bout in Saudi Arabia. Forever the boxing fan, Milwaukee Bucks’ Damian Lillard expressed his support to the Bronze Bomber after his devastating loss.
During that fight, Wilder went out with a bang in the fifth round when Zhang knocked him out with 1:51 left. This is the fourth time he lost in five matches, leading many fans and critics to say that his career as a pro boxer is now over.
![Milwaukee Bucks' Damian Lillard Sends Strong Message for Deontay Wilder After KO Loss to Zhilei Zhang 1 Milwaukee Bucks, Damian Lillard](https://wisportsheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/USATSI_22192730-scaled.jpg)
Before the match occurred, Wilder said the bout is going to make or break him, and even entertained the possibility of retirement. This seems to be the case after the Chinese boxer connected two rights in the fifth round that caused him to fall down.
The loss led 38-year old Wilder’s record to 43-4-1. Meanwhile, Zhang, the 41-year old boxer from China, improved his record to 27-2-1. Furthermore, the winner weighed in at 282 pounds while the Bronze Bomber weighed in at 214 pounds before the bout started.
Milwaukee Bucks Guard Damian Lillard Shows Support For Deontay Wilder After KO Loss to Zhilei Zhang
![Milwaukee Bucks' Damian Lillard Sends Strong Message for Deontay Wilder After KO Loss to Zhilei Zhang 2 Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury](https://wisportsheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/USATSI_16927780-scaled.jpg)
Like the Bucks star’s reaction to Tyson Fury‘s match, Lillard expressed his thoughts about the match on social media. In a screenshot of his message for Wilder, the All-Star point guard showed support for the former heavyweight champion.
Damian Lillard’s message for Deontay Wilder after KO loss to Zhilei Zhang: “Respect champ” pic.twitter.com/uPRxQujInV
— Kit Espina (@KeithEspino22) June 2, 2024
Other than the Wilder and Tyson matches, Lillard also gave his take on the upcoming bout between Gervonta Davis and Frank Martin. In it, he warned the champ not take his challenger lightly.
![Milwaukee Bucks' Damian Lillard Sends Strong Message for Deontay Wilder After KO Loss to Zhilei Zhang 3 Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury](https://wisportsheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/USATSI_14084654.jpg)
Although Wilder’s time in the ring may be over, there’s still a lot to look forward to for boxing fans. And with the offseason looking to be longer for Lillard and the Bucks, there’ll be plenty of time for him to watch these matches.
![Milwaukee Bucks' Damian Lillard Sends Strong Message for Deontay Wilder After KO Loss to Zhilei Zhang 4 Milwaukee Bucks, Damian Lillard](https://wisportsheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/USATSI_23122564-scaled.jpg)
For More Wisconsin Sports:
Follow us on Twitter at @WiSportsHeroics. Also, check out our Merchandise Here! Get 20% off with the code “WSH.” To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Wisconsin sports, click here! Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers.