Friday 8 July 2016 10:06, UK
Chris Arreola has aimed a verbal dig at Deontay Wilder by insisting that Tyson Fury is the top heavyweight in the world.
The 35-year-old Californian will challenge Wilder for the WBC title in Alabama on July 16, live on Sky Sports, and has risked the wrath of his fellow American after picking out the best champion in the division.
Wilder has racked up a 36-fight unbeaten record, including 35 stoppages, while Anthony Joshua successfully defended his IBF title with this month's knockout win over Dominic Breazeale, his 17th straight stoppage.
But Arreola believes WBO and WBA champion Fury, who calls himself 'Gypsy King', should be considered the world's No 1 after his points win ended Wladimir Klitschko's 11-year reign in November.
"Honestly I've got to give it to the 'Gypsy King' because he has the experience," Arreola told Behind The Gloves. "That's the main thing, the experience, and the fact that he fought better opponents, much better opponents. He's fought Klitschko.
Wilder, yes he's a good fighter, yes he's defended his title, but he hasn't fought the competition that the 'Gypsy King' has.
"Who did Joshua beat to win the championship? Deontay Wilder, yes he's a good fighter, yes he's defended his title, but he hasn't fought the competition that the 'Gypsy King' has.
Fury has announced that his rematch with Klitschko has been rescheduled for October after he suffered an ankle injury and Arreola is expecting a repeat win over the 40-year-old Ukrainian.
"Honestly he came and gave Klitschko the fight that he wasn't expecting," said Arreola, who was stopped by previous WBC champion Vitali Klitschko in 2009.
"He came in there prepared and I believe the same thing happens the second time around. I believe he beats Klitschko again. Klitschko's reign is over. My respect goes out to him because he was a great champion.
"Deontay Wilder, that's my next opponent, so I believe I'm going to beat him. Anthony Joshua is just one upcoming fighter that we've seen some, but we really haven't seen what he really has to offer. Hopefully in the next couple of fights he will have tougher opponents.
"That being said, I hold myself in the top of the food chain also."
