WBC heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder (40-0-1, 39 KOs) is very motivated to become the driving force to bring boxing back in a major way.
He believes the heavyweight division has been exploding in recent years, and because of that the entire sport has been elevated after declining in popularity for quite some time.
“I want to bring it back to the golden days of boxing,” Wilder said to The Star Telegram. “It has not been back since 2004 with Lennox Lewis. Everyone knows that as the heavyweight division goes, so goes boxing.”
Back in December, Wilder fought Tyson Fury to a controversial twelve round split draw at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
The two are now in serious talks to finalize a deal for a rematch in the coming months.
“We still have a bit more to go but the fight is definitely going to happen,” Wilder said of his rematch with Fury. “It should be announced very, very soon. The only reason it would not is if their side backs out. As of today, everything is 100 percent ready to go.”
The biggest fight in the sport, at the moment, is a unification between Wilder and WBO, WBA, IBF, IBO heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.
The two sides were in discussions last year, but their talks feel through due to money.
“I am willing to fight him. This is not us; they know what we want,” Wilder said. “If we can’t come to agreement there will be no fight. I’m moving on with my career. I can’t wait around.
“The world knows I tried (to fight Joshua). They are trying to milk the people in the United Kingdom. But after the next fight, I’m willing and I am ready. I’m always ready. There will be one champion, and there will be one face. He goes by the name of Deontay Wilder.
“I am a knockout artist and that’s why people come to watch a fight. They want to see knockouts. I know how to knock anyone out.”
2023-10-22 18:20:55
