Deontay Wilder: “Negotiations with Usyk Are Underway. Maybe Even This Very Minute”

Former world champion Deontay Wilder described how he reacted to the desire of WBA, WBC, IBF, and IBO Heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk to face him in a bout.

“My reaction was: ‘Wooo!’ I was like Ric Flair, you know what I mean? My reaction was very loud. My heart was pounding, and not just because of the fact of a possible fight itself. It’s about the opportunity. The fact that he is looking at me and saying: ‘I want to fight you.’ It doesn’t matter what the reason is — he said he wants to fight me. And that is very important for me, because I am not given opportunities.

I never received big opportunities. If there was something, it was small — and I had to break down the door myself. But this is a big opportunity. We are talking about a chance to get the belts. I am coming off a win, and after this fight, I find myself in the position of a contender. Next year will be huge for me. And when this fight happens — it will change my life. I will shock the world again.

It is an incredible feeling, a big opportunity. I am glad. Usually, I gave opportunities to others. But now it is the reverse — and it is pleasant. It is nice when someone remembers you, even though it was always you who gave a chance to others. So respect to him. It shows what kind of person he is by character. And… God is good. That’s it — God is good.

At what stage are the negotiations? Negotiations are underway. Maybe even this very minute,” said Wilder.

Deontay Wilder (44-4-1, 43 KOs) last entered the ring in June against Tyrrell Herndon and won by technical knockout in the 7th round.

In July, Oleksandr Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) knocked out Daniel Dubois in the fifth round of their rematch and became the undisputed world champion for the third time.