Former sparring partner of both Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder, Malik Scott, has said there is a notable difference in the power of both men, having faced them in quick succession during respective training camps.
Scott fought Wilder in 2014, knocked out in the first round, but the pair had been sparring before then. He went on to become ‘The Bronze Bomber’s trainer in 2021 to help his fellow American prepare for a trilogy bout with Tyson Fury.
Although Wilder lost the fight by eleventh-round knockout, the improvements from his second showdown with the Brit were there for all to see.
As a result, Scott has remained alongside the 37-year-old and they recorded their first win as a partnership last October, knocking out Robert Helenius in the opening round of his return to the ring.
In an interview with talkSPORT, Scott revealed his initial reaction to the power of Wilder back when they first sparred, and explained that there was an instantly recognisable difference when he used to spar Wilder and Fury.
“Before I fought Deontay, with ten-ounce [gloves] on, I felt him with twenty ounces on. Before I felt him with twenty ounces, I left Tyson Fury’s camp and basically flew straight to Deontay’s camp, so I knew the difference in power immediately.”
“If I was boxing Fury on Tuesday, by next Tuesday I was in with Deontay. His power, with twenty-ounce gloves on, it reminds me of a combined force of Lennox Lewis and Wladimir Klitschko together, striking and thudding, it would be equivalent to Mike Tyson’s and George Foreman’s power, if you put them together. Tyson, to me, was very rapid, George was very imposing and thudding, when you put that together I think you have the blessing and gifted power of Deontay Wilder.”
Scott will be keen to secure another fight with Wilder soon, after competing in just one round since the loss to Fury back in October 2021. Unfortunately for fans, talks of a clash with Anthony Joshua are now in doubt.