Deontay Wilder, the former heavyweight world champion, does not consider Alexander Usyk to be the greatest boxer of all time.
“I don’t consider him the greatest boxer in history. Such statements usually come from his devoted fans, and they have to say that. Most likely, many people from Ukraine think so, but outside of that country, there are very few such opinions. Most people don’t understand boxing,” said the 39-year-old Wilder, as reported by the portal Ready To Fight.
The American boxer also noted that his punching power and physical condition will be decisive factors in the upcoming fight. These words were cited on Bloody Elbow.
“I believe that the secret to my success in the fight with Usyk lies in my right hand. I don’t want to reveal all my cards in this interview, as opponents might hear. But overall, I can say that I have speed, height, and athleticism — these are the three aspects that give me an advantage,” he added.
It should be reminded that the fight between Wilder and Usyk for three titles (IBF, WBA, WBC) may take place in the spring of 2026. Usyk has repeatedly emphasized that Wilder is his most anticipated opponent.
In his last fight, which took place in the summer, Usyk knocked out British fighter Daniel Dubois in the fifth round. So far, the Ukrainian has not suffered a single defeat in the professional ring.
In 2015, Wilder won by knockout against European middleweight Joann Duhapa. Interestingly, it was the punches from this opponent that left the biggest impression on Deontay: “Maybe that will change over time. But right now, when I think of the hardest punch, Duhapa comes to mind. Every time he threw a jab, my head would bounce. I thought, ‘Wow! He hits hard!’ It seemed like he had sand in his gloves.”
Wilder also admitted that at one point he even thought about giving up: “I suddenly thought, ‘That’s it! I can’t take it anymore!’ You know? He was the only opponent who made me think like that. He had very painful punches, so I always pay my respects to that guy. I’m grateful to him. Hey, bro! I still remember you. He hit so hard that I still remember him.”
