Deontay Wilder says a potential megafight vs Oleksandr Usyk is “music to my ears” as he prepares for his ring return on October 15.
‘The Bronze Bomber’ (42-2-1) faces Robert Helenius in a WBC eliminator at Barclays Center, but already there are bigger challenges reportedly waiting in the wings.
IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight king Usyk could be ready to give Wilder a title shot with a unification showdown with WBC and Ring magazine champ Tyson Fury apparently on the back burner. With Usyk wanting to wait until 2023 for that fight, ‘The Gypsy King’ has turned his attentions to a domestic blockbuster vs Anthony Joshua.
Wilder on Usyk showdown
Usyk is expected to be ringside when Wilder locks horns with the rejuvenated Helenius on October 15, and the American says he is more than ready to accept the challenge of a showdown with the Ukrainian master.
“It’s music to my ears. I hold Usyk to be a very honorable person and a man of his word. So I’m looking forward to that. I’m not looking past Robert by any means. It’s good to know that Usyk will be in the arena. Welcome to a great show. And to all the fans, welcome to a great show for whoever is watching and attending, but I’m not looking past Robert.
“For Usyk to be able to bless me with a title shot when I’ve blessed so many during my reign, it’s a great feeling. So we’re going to get past October 15, and then after that we can see what happens. I’ve got a lot of things lined up, a lot of options in the works for me… But when it’s dealing with a title shot you’ve got to jump on it when the opportunity presents itself.”
Usyk perfect – Malik Scott
Wilder’s trainer Malik Scott is also excited about the prospect of a Usyk vs Wilder blockbuster, reasoning: “Coming from a coaching standpoint, it works perfect for me because Deontay Wilder is big-time boxing.
“Robert Helenius, in my opinion, this is a big, dangerous fight. Deontay is going to pass this test with flying colors. After that, my opinion of his next opponent is that it should be Oleksandr Usyk or Anthony Joshua possibly… These are the kind of fights he gets up for.
“I truly believe that Deontay Wilder is the only heavyweight in the world that can beat Oleksandr Usyk, and I have so many reasons to back that up.”
