The unified world champion in heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk in a new interview with The Ring magazine replied harshly to those who consider Deontay Wilder an unsuitable or "walkover" opponent for him this year.
"I have long dreamed of fighting Wilder. Why is he even called a weak opponent? I strongly disagree," said the Ukrainian boxer. "He has earned his chance. He is a powerful, dangerous puncher who has been at the top of the division for many years."
Usyk particularly emphasized that for him, not only the sports aspect is important but also the spectacle:
"I want to have this fight in the USA. I want to put on a real big show for the American public. In 2019, I already fought in America, but it was far from a top evening. Now everything should be different—grand."
Recall that negotiations between Usyk's and Wilder's teams were indeed conducted at the beginning of this year and were considered quite close to success. However, the "Bronze Bomber" eventually signed a contract for a fight with Derek Chisora, explaining that he can't "just sit and wait," already being 40 years old.
