Oft criticised WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder (35-0, 34ko), has claimed once again that he wants to unify the division, stating his belief that it’s not the upcoming Nov 28 Wladimir Klitschko/Tyson Fury fight the fans really want to see, but rather a Klitschko/Wilder clash instead.
“I definitely give Tyson a chance in this,” Wilder said to the BBC World Service “But all the talk is about a Klitschko v Wilder fight, and if Klitschko prevails in that fight [with Fury] then we can look forward to [it].
“I’m definitely looking forward to unifying the whole division no matter who has the [other] belts when it’s time for that unification bout. You know that’s my ultimate goal in boxing, to be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.”
The comments are once again likely to prompt snorts of derision from the majority of fans critical of Wilder’s conduct since winning the green belt way back in January against Bermane Stiverne, in what remains a career best performance. Labourious victories over school teacher Eric Molina, and little known Frenchman Johann Duhaupas in PBC broadcast fights in his Alabama backyard since then, have ostensibly already proved Wilder is a belt holder only until he runs into dangerous mandatory challenger and former Olympic gold medalist, Alexander Povetkin next year.
Wilder’s team have reportedly been looking to squeeze in one more voluntary defence before the Povetkin fight is due, despite the WBC previously insisting he must fight the Russian next, and talk of a potential fight with countryman Bryant Jennings has proven to be just that.
“I’m looking forward to doing great things in the sport of boxing,” Wilder added. “A lot comes with this [being champion] but I’m looking forward to more in the future.”
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