Deontay Wilder happy to face either Wladimir Klitschko or Tyson Fury
Monday 3 August 2015 17:07, UK
Deontay Wilder insists he will ‘win either way’ as he awaits the outcome of Wladimir Klitschko’s world title defence against Tyson Fury.
The 39-year-old Klitschko will put his WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight belts on the line against latest challenger Fury in Dusseldorf on October 24.
Watching from ringside could be Wilder, who hopes for a unification clash against the winner if he successfully retains his WBC belt in a bout scheduled for September 26.
The American would welcome a fight with Fury after their heated exchanges on social media, but also recognises that a clash with Klitschko could build his reputation.
I enjoy seeing both of those guys - in the ring or in person - but it’s tough. I think I win either way.
“You’ve got one guy who has unified the division. With him, I think that would make my legacy even bigger and who I am bigger,” Wilder told behindthegoves.com.
“On the other hand, you’ve got a guy who has been entertaining with his mouth and somewhat with his performances as well, but mostly with his mouth and stuff. I’ll root for him.
"I enjoy seeing both of those guys - in the ring or in person - but it’s tough. I think I win either way. I get who I want either way. I just hope they go in there with full health and strength and come out the same way.”
But Wilder distanced himself from a possible fight against former WBO king Shannon Briggs after the pair traded insults earlier this year at a Klitschko press conference.
“When you look at Shannon Briggs, an older guy in his 40s, you’re looking at a more mature kind of guy,” he said.
“People, even to this day, still look up to him and the way he carries himself, the image about himself is not what I would expect from an elder guy that has been in the game.
“That’s not how you get fights - to show up at some other people’s press conferences, show up at people’s meals, when they are at vacation show up. That is more of a stalking type... it’s not working for him.
“My advice to him is fight someone. Don’t be climbing in the ring against these guys you can readily pick and fight. Legitimately fight someone and climb the rankings. Once you climb the rankings you cannot be denied.
“For me, he’s more for the money than the glory. For that reason he’ll get denied.”
For the full extended interview on behindthegloves.com, click here.
