Former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder has revealed that unified champion Oleksandr Usyk turned down multiple big money offers to face him. (photo by Ryan Hafey)
Usyk is scheduled to defend his WBO, IBO, IBF, WBA titles against mandatory challenger Daniel Dubois on August 26 in Poland. Provided Usyk wins, there are rumblings that he’ll make another defense of his title in the month of December.
Wilder is attempting to finalize a fall fight with Andy Ruiz – with a potential December showdown also in the works with Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia.
At one point Usyk discussed the scenario of facing Wilder in the summer, but the Bronze Bomber disputes the unified champ’s willingness to step in the ring.
“I don’t think Usyk really cares. As long as he ain’t got to fight me. I don’t think he cares, as long as he don’t have to fight me, it’s all good, because that man is terrified of me,” Wilder told 78SPORTSTV.
“He’s dodged me so many times and I know. And don’t act like I don’t know, I don’t want anyone to come out like, ‘Usyk said this and that. It would be a lie because I know a lot of sh!t. I’m in the business, I know. He’s been offered a lot of money to fight me, many times. But he’s denied it. They said they do not want Bomb Squad problems.”
Wilder’s fight with Ruiz, sanctioned by the WBC as a final eliminator, is still in limbo. Ruiz and his handlers are demanding an even 50-50 split of the money, after being offered a 70-30 split in Wilder’s favor. Wilder recently stated that he’s never going to agree to an even split with Ruiz.