Deontay Wilder has made a bizarre prediction for an undisputed fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk – not for the winner, but that both will ‘cheat.’
The former heavyweight champion will be watching from the sidelines as the division crowns a sole champion – the two contenders being Fury, who beat Wilder for the WBC belt, and Usyk, who dominated Anthony Joshua for the IBF, WBO and WBA.
Whilst many in the sport are excited at the prospect of two master technicians going head to head for such a legacy-defining bout, Wilder’s prediction only serves to put down those talents.
He told ES News that both would break the rules.
“I don’t know. That’s a 50/50 fight. Depends on who’s gonna cheat the hardest. That’s what it is, it depends on who’s gonna cheat the hardest.”
“Somebody got gloves they didn’t approve, that ain’t approved by a sanction, but because it’s there gloves it’s ok. Some have referees over count.”
Fans will remember the allegations Wilder made against Fury after their second contest – namely that his gloves were loaded.
It’s disappointing to see the unsubstantiated claims still being circulated, but perhaps not surprising given the bad blood between the two.
What is strange, however, is to see the allegations include the Ukrainian, who has never shared a ring with Wilder.
It appears that the former champ may struggle with giving credit to anyone other than himself.
In terms of a ring return, it’s being reported that the hard-hitter from Alabama will face Andy Ruiz Jr in the summer. The bout will be a final eliminator for Fury’s WBC title which will likely come after the undisputed bout takes place.