Deontay Wilder should face penalties for his latest unfathomable comments about possibly killing one of his opponents.
On more than one occasion in the past, Wilder has stated that he “wants a body” on his record and can try to legally kill someone between the ropes.
This latest outburst is the most shocking and should be investigated by the World Boxing Council, which has sanctioned his next fight.
Too often in the past, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman has failed to reprimand Wilder for his dire threats. This time, “The Bronze Bomber” has to be held accountable.
Setting up his latest outburst, the controversy stems from his first career loss to Tyson Fury. When he competed in a February 2020 rematch, Wilder was dominated for seven rounds and didn’t stand a chance as Fury knocked him down multiple times before eliminating him.
Afterward, Wilder yelled a foul. He accused Fury of charging his gloves, splashing his water and not winning fairly.
Wilder went even further after doubling down on his cheating claims in an interview with FightHype.com. The American stated that he only pursued the trilogy fight so he could try to kill Fury in the ring.
Deontay Wilder Comments
Wilder was unequivocal in his response when asked if he would be willing to bury the hatchet with Fury in the future.
“Nope, [I will] never [be civil with Tyson Fury]. Because I know the truth behind it. [Fury cheated]Wilder told Fight Hype. “I do not condone cheating.
“I know it doesn’t matter what people say.”
Wilder revealed why he entered arbitration, ultimately forcing Fury into the third meeting.
“It’s like you have analysts saying, ‘If he had something on his glove, why didn’t you go to the authorities?’
“I wish I was in front of them. He would grab them by the neck and put them close to my face, so that we could be face to face, face to face. So much so that my breath touched her face. He would tell them, ‘why the hell would I go to the authorities when I have the opportunity to release my own energy?
“[I have the opportunity to] put my hands on it [again]. The possibility of trying to kill him and getting paid millions of dollars to do it.
“Why would I go to the authorities?
“[If] I go to the authorities and they lock him up, so what’s next? – That is all. It is good writing. OK, we prove our case. But no one is feeding.
“What justice has done that? That doesn’t make any sense. That sounds like someone is not confrontational in combat sports because their mindset is not set on combat.
“He’s determined to be nice. That theory doesn’t even make sense to me. We’re in the hurt business. This is what we do.
“[If] I can hurt you and get paid to do it, that sounds like a good deal to me.”
Tyson Fury fourth fight
Losing the third contest in a Fight of the Year affair, Wilder dropped Fury twice. “The Gypsy King” would declare that he fears for his long-term health after receiving fierce blows from Wilder.
However, Fury recently pointed to the fact that he could fight Wilder again if he wins a WBC eliminator against Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2023.
Wilder answered if he would be willing to accept a fourth confrontation with Fury: “Definitely, [if] they bring a big fight, let’s do it.
“You know how I am. I’ve never dodged or dodged anyone. I’m the one who blessed people with opportunities.”
If the WBC had any notion of fighter safety inside the ring, they would at least ask Deontay Wilder for an explanation of his comments.
It’s just not good enough for him to say that his ‘someone else’ says those kinds of comments. Intentionally entering the ring to murder your opponent warrants, at the very least, a ban from boxing.
The views expressed in this article are the views of Phil Jay.
WBN editor Phil has over ten years of boxing news experience. He follows WBN on Facebook @officialworldboxingnews and Twitter @worldboxingnews.