American contender Michael Hunter says that he would beat any of his top-tier heavyweight rivals if given the opportunity, having faced several of the division’s big names as as amateur.
The 32-year-old Hunter, who drew with Russia’s Alexander Povetkin last time out in Saudi Arabia, had a close encounter with WBC heavyweight king Tyson Fury in the amateur code, and notably dominated Andy Ruiz Jr. for three rounds at the World Amateur Championships.
“All through the amateurs, everybody up in the ranks right now, they all know me,” Hunter (18-1-1, 12 KOs) told Sky Sports. “The only one that might say I had a tussle with was Tyson Fury. Even back then, I didn’t really see it as like I took an L, because when it comes to the fighting, the scores make the difference, but when it comes to actual fighters, he knows that I got one over him. That’s all I need him to know.
“But everybody from Deontay Wilder, Andy Ruiz, Tyson Fury, Charles Martin, you name it. They all know my name and they’ve been hearing my name for a long time and they know that I’m a serious problem. I could step in there right now and beat any one of them.
“As far as the heavyweight division, I feel like I’m the best in the world. I’ve been the best in the world, I just need my opportunity.”