Oleksandr Usyk has given his response to Deontay Wilder claiming the unified heavyweight champion is ‘very afraid’ to face him.
Wilder had been linked to a bout against Usyk after the undisputed fight against Tyson Fury fell through earlier this year. It would grant the American a chance at becoming a two-time heavyweight champion.
When asked about negotiations, ‘The Bronze Bomber’ claimed it never materialised because the Ukrainian was ‘a lot afraid’ of facing him.
“I’m all for it, but he’s [Usyk] a little afraid. Actually, he’s a lot afraid. I’m in the business, so I know a lot of things.
I’m ready to go any given moment in time and place, no matter what it is. They know that.
I don’t put up too much fight in terms of trying to get a fight done, I’m simple. I feel like we can all eat, and that’s how it should be.
But they don’t make ’em like me, I’m very rare!”
Usyk responded to those claims in typical fashion via Seconds Out, saying the only thing that scares his is the wrath of his wife.
“Please stop it, I respect this man, I treat him with honour.
What is this talk about fear? The only thing I’m really, really, afraid of is to get my wife frustrated.”
Usyk has made it clear he plans to keep hold of his belts, meaning he’ll have to fulfil his mandatory duties, starting with WBA regular title holder, Daniel Dubois.
After unsuccessful negotiations the fight went to purse bids which were won by Usyk’s promotional team for around $8 million and is now planned to take place in Poland on August 26th.
As for Wilder, he looks set for a blockbuster clash against Anthony Joshua this December in Saudi Arabia, with an announcement of a deal expected soon.