Deontay Wilder did not have much to say at last week’s press conference to promote his trilogy fight with Tyson Fury. But the former heavyweight champion of the world detailed his views on several subjects a short time later while interviewing with Fred from Barbershop Conversations.
Thoughts on Wilder-Fury II
Deontay Wilder maintains his argument that Tyson Fury cheated during the second fight between the two men. He is also adamant about the danger he faced because of Fury’s tactics.
“They tried to take me away from my family,” Wilder says. “And tried to cover it up like it was the greatest thing in the world.”
Wilder believes that fans and people involved with boxing know that something was amiss with Fury’s gloves. He says many people pretended not to see anything to avoid the responsibility of saying something.
“They know gloves don’t do that, “Wilder says in response to the photos and videos that surfaced following the fight. Some photos showed Fury’s gloves in seemingly awkward positions. “That evidence will stand up in any court.”
Deontay Wilder on Jermall Charlo Comments
Jermall Charlo caused a bit of a stir when he told Deontay Wilder, “race don’t matter,” while the former champion voiced his dissatisfaction with the boxing community. Wilder characterized the comment as ridiculous and asserts that race matters in all aspects of life. He also rationalized that race may be one reason Charlo’s name does not appear on most pound-for-pound lists.
The Bronze Bomber on Pauli Malignaggi
Deontay Wilder expressed strong opinions for former champion Pauli Malignaggi. Wilder says that Malignaggi spoke about the corruption in boxing each time he suffered a loss. The former champ feels that Malignaggi is now unwilling to admit that some of the sport’s corruption is detrimental to black fighters. Wilder ended the Malignaggi discussion by reminding everyone that Malignaggi once lost his girl and belt on the same day.
Deontay Wilder on Dillian Whyte
Deontay Wilder began his comments regarding Whyte with speculation on why the British heavyweight seems obsessed with him. Wilder went on to say that Whyte has a lot to say when he is on social media but becomes a “mouse in the room” in person.
Wilder warns that he is a nice person but is not the person to “play with.” He says no one would be able to stop him from getting at Whyte if an altercation developed.
Claressa Shields
The mood grew lighter when Deontay Wilder expressed his thoughts about Claressa Shields and her MMA debut. He first spoke about the nervousness he felt each time Claressa found herself on the ground in the fight. But the Bronze Bomber could not express the pride he felt watching Shields step out of her comfort zone and fight in the octagon.
Wilder says he was scared when Brittney Elkin, Claressa’s opponent, attempted to put the undisputed boxing champion in an armbar. He encourages Shields to work on her ground game and laments the fact that unequal pay for women in boxing led to Shield’s MMA debut.
Deontay Wilder says that women fighters make the same sacrifices as men and should receive more money. He also said Claressa is a great person and role model.
Wilder thanked supporters for the many words of encouragement he received. He says he feels “protected” by his army of supporters. He also plans to finish Tyson Fury for good July 24th.