A NEW worrying angle of Deontay Wilder’s brutal knockout loss to Zhilei Zhang has emerged.
The former long-reigning WBC heavyweight champion suffered his second loss in a row to the Chinese clubber in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.
Wilder, 37, was stunned by a big counter right hand in the fifth round before being flattened by a huge follow-up hook.
The Bronze Bomber beat the count but the referee saved him from taking additional punishment by waving off the contest.
And fresh footage of the knockout revealed just how badly hurt the American was.
A newly-released angle of the stoppage from DAZN showed that Wilder was complaining to the referee before Zhang floored him.
READ MORE IN BOXING
Boxing fans were quick to comment on the clip, with one saying: “What was he complaining about?”
Another said: “TF he complaining about? Got hit with a perfect counter right hook.”
And another said: “Turned his back talking to the ref? Come on Wilder.”
One remarked: “Feel sorry for Deontay, but what was he complaining about? [The] game was still on.”
Most read in Boxing
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
Another chimed in: “Wilder is done!! Dude should have learned to box.”
Wilder didn’t protest the stoppage, although he repeatedly said “I’m fine” to head coach Malik Scott in the aftermath of his latest loss.
Defeat to Zhang was the Alabama slammer’s FOURTH in his last five outings in the ring.
Three of those losses have come by way of knockout, with two being inflicted on him by long-time rival Tyson Fury.
Speaking after picking up one of the biggest wins of his career, Zhang said: “I would like to thank every friend who came here over the world and fans in China.
“It is midnight there and you are watching me.
“I lost to [Joseph] Parker, it was a fair loss. He was the better man that night.
“I’ve learned since then. As long as the bell doesn’t ring, stay focused.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
“I have to pretend Wilder didn’t have a right hand and I successfully took it away.
“Wilder punches hard, I give him a lot of respect.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk