Deontay Wilder’s head coach Malik Scott had an unsuccessful return to boxing against Sergei Kharitonov.
Scott is a former heavyweight who retired in 2016 with a 38-3-1 record having notably fought the likes of Wilder, Derek Chisora and Luis Ortiz.
Today, he is known for being the head trainer for Wilder with the pair linking up before the latter’s trilogy defeat to Tyson Fury late last year.
And Scott recently decided to return to the ring in an exhibition match with former Strikeforce and Bellator heavyweight Kharitonov.
Scott had his moments and even dropped the current Eagle FC fighter with a body shot. However, he ended up getting outpointed as Kharitonov came out with the decision win in the end.
You can watch it below:
Sergei Kharitonov Gives Props To Malik Scott
Kharitonov — who prior to the contest most recently defeated Tyrone Spong via second-round TKO at Eagle FC 44 in January — made sure to give Scott his props following the fight.
“It was very difficult. My previous fights ended in the first round and the third or fourth. Malik Scott is a very serious opponent,” Kharitonov said (via WBN). “Malik Scott is a machine. I knew who I was going to fight, but I always go only forward.”
As for Scott?
He wasn’t disheartened by the defeat at all as he reflected on returning to boxing on social media.
“Felt good being back under the lights last night. It’s been almost seven since the last time I gloved up. It’s been four years since the last time I did some serious sparring.
“When your always busy teaching the craft and learning the craft, it keeps you in some kind of good physical shape.
“Wins, losses, disappointments, etc. I’m grateful for every experience and lesson that comes from this noble art.”
Will Scott return to the ring? Nobody knows for now.
But considering he was the same age (41) as Kharitonov who only had two pro boxing fights prior, maybe it’s best if he sticks with training Wilder for now.
