Deontay Wilder faces Joseph Parker on December 23, and will consider beating his fellow former champion ‘payback.’
Wilder held the WBC Heavyweight World Title for the best part of half a decade, steam-rolling any fighter who tried to take it from him.
He lost it to Tyson Fury in 2020 and is now searching for a route back to becoming a champion for the second time. The first step on that road is Joseph Parker – a longtime training partner of Fury’s.
Wilder told Sky Sports he ‘has something to get off his chest’ in the bout.
“I think after coming to one of my fights in my hometown he decided to not give me that opportunity so I am going to consider this a little payback.
I have a little something to get off my chest, but once I release it in the ring, after that we can all go home, be with our families and shake hands.”
Parker was in attendance for Wilder’s 5th round stoppage of Gerald Washington back in 2017. He called out the American to unify – as he then held the IBF World Title – once Wilder had faced Fury. The fight never happened.
Wilder would draw with Fury in 2018. Parker had lost his belt to Anthony Joshua months before. Now, the fight that never was takes place on December 23.
‘The Bronze Bomber’ is confident it will be his 43rd knockout victory.
“I know one of his strategies will be to stay out of the way of the right hand. The main thing about it is it is going to be enjoyable to be in the ring with him. He is going to come and try and pressure me. But I am going to get you and when I get you, goodnight.”
Should Wilder win and Joshua beat Otto Wallin on the very same card, all roads lead to the two finally facing off.