Deontay Wilder has claimed this week that world titles are no longer an important factor for his star power, and that people simply turn out to see him due to his devastating punching power.
Wilder thinks that the constant threat of a knockout in his fights is what keeps fans engrossed, even during spells of little action.
In an interview with ESNews, Wilder said:
“They want to see me against everybody! People don’t come to see me for titles and stuff like that anymore, that’s not for me. People come to see me knock people out. I don’t need to have titles or belts, people come and see me for what I do.
That’s why you don’t see people booing when there’s nothing going on, because they know it’s coming.
What do I always say? You don’t know when it’s coming – but it’s coming. And when it comes, bam baby! Good night.”
‘The Bronze Bomber’ announced his return to the heavyweight division in explosive fashion last October, taking less than a round to dispatch of comeback opponent Robert Helenius at the Barclays Centre.
There had been question marks over how the former world champion would return after two successive punishing defeats to Tyson Fury, however the Helenius fight seemed to indicate that Wilder is just as explosive as ever.
A final eliminator against Andy Ruiz Jr looks set to be next for the Tuscaloosa man, after the WBC ordered the fight between the pair at their annual convention in November.
If the fight is to be next and Wilder emerges victorious, a remarkable fourth fight with old foe Fury could be on the cards – provided ‘The Gypsy King’ still holds the title at that time.