Deontay Wilder claims ‘killer’ is back ahead of Zhilei Zhang clash on Dmitry Bivol vs Artur Beterbiev undercard

Deontay Wilder insists he is ready to revive the ‘killer’ ahead of his upcoming clash with Zhilei Zhang.

The American slugger looked like a shadow of his former self the last time he stepped between the ropes against Joseph Parker in December.

Wilder appeared hesitant to let go of his big right hand as he was beaten from pillar to post by the Kiwi before falling to a one-sided unanimous decision defeat.

His dismal display left much to be desired and suggested that he had lost the fire in his belly.

But Wilder aims to revise that narrative when he makes his return to the ring on the Dmitry Bivol vs. Artur Beterbiev undercard on June 1.

“They (the media and authorities) said I wasn’t very good at boxing because I wanted a body on my record,” Wilder told Boxing News.

“But now these people, the Saudis, are involved and they’re saying, ‘We want this monster back, we want this killer back, we want the man who talks like that.’

“And when you have people like that who appreciate you for who you are, it makes you want to change quickly.

“I have the green light to be able to be that and not be judged. I can be that and not be crucified.

“When I did it earlier, everyone crucified me, pricked me with thorns and stabbed me.”

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Wilder faced immense criticism in 2018 when he said he wanted “a body to his name” ahead of his inaugural meeting with Tyson Fury.

It’s comments like this that have led to him being sold as the “bad guy” of the glamor division.

But in recent years, Wilder has mellowed considerably after, in his own words, “finding peace.”

Before his latest outing against Parker, Wilder spoke openly about how he was “born” after completing a psychedelic drug program in Costa Rica, where he took ayahuasca, a South American psychoactive drink.

Although he appeared happier, Wilder admitted that he lost his “killer instinct” as he became a more peaceful person.

“I need to get my killer instinct back,” he told 78SPORTSTV immediately after his loss to Parker.

“I’m too peaceful, I’m too happy. When I had that dog in me, no one had a chance. I’ll be a two-time heavyweight champion of the world.”

Wilder’s fight against Zhang is the main attraction of this unprecedented 5v5 event.

Bivol and Beterbiev headline while Daniel Dubois vs. Filip Hrgovic, Hamzah Sheeraz vs. Ammo Williams, Nick Ball vs. Ray Ford, Willy Hutchinson vs. Craig Richards feature on the undercard.