WBC Heavyweight Champ Doesn’t Bite Tongue
Deontay Wilder feels he’s the next box office attraction in boxing. But when it comes to being the next Floyd Mayweather of boxing?
“I’m the new Deontay Wilder of boxing,” Wilder told TMZ on Friday in response to that question.
The Tuscaloosa, Alabama native is coming off an exciting heavyweight title bout with Englishman Tyson Fury that ended in a split-decision draw last Saturday at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
In high spirits as usual, Wilder went on about how that fight was a resurrection of sorts that brought fan interest back to the division, but pointed out that “Money” — who was in attendance — was not on approval.
“The world loved it, but I don’t think he liked that though,” Wilder said, referring to Floyd Mayweather, who abruptly left the Staples Center in anger following Saturday’s fight.
“He wanted all the attention on him. It’s sad that it’s like that but the heavyweight division is where it’s at. Because people know we’re big guys and they want to see heavy hitters. And when you get a fight like that [on Saturday], that’s what they want to see. The excitement [is] back, and he always want the attention…but no more of that.”
After trailing by a wide margin on the scorecards throughout, Wilder scored two late knockdowns in the fight against Fury, which played a significant role in him retaining his title.
Wilder, 33, went on to say that he doesn’t want to be Floyd and that he was “coming” for the crown as the next star attraction.
“It’s a lot of fighters that’s jealous of me…for no reason. I’ve never said nothing bad about no one. I’ve always wished them well. I’ve always defended other fighters because I’m a fighter and I know I risk my life for this. Some fighters just don’t want to see me make it.”
As mentioned, it was reported that Mayweather stormed out of the Staples Center after the split-decision draw verdict, which has been mostly unpopular with fans, analysts and writers.
In a video released by FightHype.com, Floyd Mayweather analyzed the fight and saw Fury clearly winning the fight five rounds to nothing as it was happening.
“Deontay Wilder…he’s depending just on one shot. He’s looking for one big shot,” Mayweather said. “And as a fighter, you have to use other weapons. Fury [was] using combinations and a very fast jab and taking his time.”
Floyd Mayweather has been in the news recently, as it was announced on Thursday that he will in fact compete in a exhibition bout against Japanese kickboxing star Tenshin Nasukawa on New Years Eve in Japan.
The exhibition is set to be with boxing rules scheduled for three 3-minute rounds.
What are your thoughts on Wilder’s comments? Leave your comments below!