Deontay Wilder believes that his unofficial moniker of the hardest-hitter in boxing history has other heavyweights running scared.
The former world champion is readying a ring return after a first round knockout over Robert Helenius in 2022 got him back to winning ways following two losses to Tyson Fury.
He’s made it no secret that he’s looking for the biggest fights the sport can offer, and one of those would be against unified champion, Oleksandr Usyk.
Wilder though has claimed the undefeated Ukrainian is ‘afraid’ of him. Usyk recently responded in typical fashion, saying the only thing he is scared of is his wife.
Speaking to ES News about the back and forth, Wilder dismissed the response and doubled down on his claims
“Nah, you scared, bro. Let’s just keep it real. I mean, this is boxing, we keep it real. I’ve kept it real since I’ve been in this business and I’ll keep it real till the day I die – you scared. We know that.
I know a lot of things, you denied this fight multiple times. Scared person don’t make no money, but at the end of the day, all roads lead to Deontay Wilder no matter what. Now or later.”
Wilder has provided plenty of reasons for his fellow fighters to be fearful – 42 if he believes his knockouts are why he’s avoided – with the only man he hasn’t stopped being Fury.
However, Usyk is well-regarded by fans for not shying away from a challenge, and he’s even called for the Wilder fight in the past.
Whilst both are attempting to make deals for the same event, they’re set to fight different opponents if the plan comes together.
Skill Challenge Promotions in Saudi Arabia are keen – naively in the eyes of many – to stage Usyk vs Fury for the undisputed championship, with Wilder facing Anthony Joshua as an explosive co-main event.