The former heavyweight champion believes Wilder’s right hand can hand Oleksandr Usyk the first loss of his professional career if the fight is made
Shannon Briggs believes Deontay Wilder has the power to do what no professional opponent has managed against Oleksandr Usyk. The former heavyweight champion says Wilder’s right hand gives him a genuine chance if the proposed farewell fight is finalized.
“He’s gonna fight Usyk, and I’m rooting for him. He deserves the fight because he’s fought so many fights and defended his title so many times,” said Shannon to ESNEWS.
Briggs then explained why he believes Wilder’s famous right hand could succeed where every previous opponent has failed.
“I want you to win that fight. You are going to do your thing. I know you are going to pull it off, too, with that right hand you got. Listen champ, just line him up, line him up. Hit them on top of the head,” said Briggs.
“He’s gonna come like this [in the southpaw stance], and he don’t leave much [open]. But, with that right hand you got, right down the middle. You’re gonna do it.”
While Usyk remains undefeated and is widely regarded as one of the most technically gifted heavyweights of his generation, Wilder’s punching power has long made him one of the division’s most dangerous opponents. The former WBC champion has scored 43 knockouts in 46 professional victories.
Wilder enters the proposed bout after outpointing Derek Chisora in Manchester, while Usyk is coming off his victory over Rico Verhoeven. Although no official announcement has been made, both camps have indicated they are interested in making the fight, which is expected to be Usyk’s final appearance before retirement.
