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Deontay Wilder On Embracing Fury In Saudi: “I Can’t Stand That Cheater”

Written by Kerr Ferguson on 29th March 2023.

Deontay Wilder on Fury in Saudi

Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury recently reunited in the Middle East after their thrilling heavyweight trilogy that was encompassed by bad blood.

Wilder retained his WBC belt the first time out with the pair fighting to a draw, but the momentum was firmly with Fury in the second on third bouts. He won by stoppage on both occasions, taking and keeping the title.

In the aftermath of the second fight in particular, Wilder accused his British opponent of cheating in a wide range of unbelievable ways. It’s a belief he’s held to this day.

Despite the beef, everything was respectful – and even friendly – when the pair met recently in Saudi Arabia. Both in town for Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury, they embraced briefly before going their separate ways.

Wilder, now back in America, told ES News that fans shouldn’t get it twisted – he doesn’t have an ounce of respect for the man he hugged.

“A lot of people say to me with Fury – there’s a place and a time for all things. Of course I can’t stand that motherf***er. They know what’s up. He’s a cheater. I know a lot of things. A lot of people know a lot of things.”

“But we in a place … this is a peaceful ground. I don’t like you, but I can come and let you know I’m here and I see you. We can coexist with each other – you stay over there I stay over here.”

The former champion then claimed Fury was nervous to be in the same space as him.

“Fury didn’t know what I was gonna do. I could feel him – nervous energy. But I came in peace.”

Both men are looking for opponents for their next fight, with Fury set to defend the title he took from Wilder whilst the American looks to build on the success of his first round knockout over Robert Helenius last year.

He is, in theory, one win away from being called Fury’s mandatory challenger and a fourth fight taking place.