‘Oleksandr Usyk has given me an opportunity’… Deontay Wilder provides huge fight update

EXCLUSIVE: Deontay Wilder has revealed the latest on his potential showdown against Oleksandr Usyk.

‘The Bronze Bomber’ is confident that his opportunity to become 2x heavyweight champion of the world is just around the corner.

Deontay Wilder says his fight with Oleksandr Usyk will happen

At the peak of his powers, Deontay Wilder was something truly special, with the American possessing the most lethal right hand the sport of boxing has ever seen.

Throughout his career, the American has utilized his heavy hands to pull off incredible victories. And now, he’ll look to land his trademark shot one last time, with the icon claiming a collision with Oleksandr Usyk is almost done.

WOW: Sergey Kovalev gives huge update on potential Jake Paul fight as drastic career change looms

In an exclusive interview with Sporf, he explained: “I feel, I am very feel. It’s amazing. When I got the call, I was excited because being in this business, when I was in this position as a champion, I was usually the one handing out the opportunities. I’d do it fairly—I’d give you a 50/50 split if the fighter was hyped and good enough. I know how dangerous this business can be, and we’re risking our lives, so I will always think about the other fighter and never be selfish.

“It hasn’t happened yet, but he’s a man of faith, he’s a man of God, and I don’t think he’d say things just to not go through with it, so, I’m going to hold that for what it is. I am already speaking it into existence. When I got the call, it was a beautiful feeling; it was like ‘Someone has finally given me an opportunity’. It means a lot and shows me a lot about Usyk’s character and what he stands for and represents. If I didn’t respect him before, which I did, I respect him even more now just because he’s thinking about me.”

Deontay Wilder reflects on his wild amateur career

Long before Wilder ever scaled the boxing mountain, he was proving himself in the amateurs, winning an Olympic bronze medal and landing the ferocious punches he would one day become a household name for.

Last night, the former WBC heavyweight world champion attended the finale of the IBA Men’s Elite World Championships, in which the stars of the future battled it out for their share of an $8.32 million prize pot.

Watching the tournament has made Wilder reflect on his early memories in the sport.

He beamed: “From my amateur days, we have some crazy stories. I enjoyed going to new countries, meeting new people, going around and networking. We got into some good fun. It was the best experience of my life because I was able to connect with so many different guys, and we built a brotherhood. I thought it was amazing to represent our countries that we hold close to our hearts, and then to go to other countries and compete against them in their country, and the style that the country has.

“It was a great experience, even if it was short-lived. I only had 35 amateur bouts, then I had to turn professional because I needed to make some money. That’s why I love what the IBA is doing now. The money on the line is a beautiful thing. I enjoyed every bit of it, and if we’d got paid in the amateurs, I’d have stuck around a little longer.”

Featured Image Credit: Getty