By Craig Daly: Bob Arum says he likes Deontay Wilder to beat unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk if that fight happens.
Arum feels that Usyk (20-0, 13 KOs) is too small for former WBC heavyweight champion Wilder and doesn’t punch like him.
Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn says Wilder (42-2-1, 41 KOs) would not win a round against Usyk. Arum feels different.
He thinks Wilder hits hard enough to land one of his big shots sooner or later and he’ll stop Usyk. It’s unlikely the two will ever fight, as Usyk says he only plans to fight three more times before retiring.
He wants Tyson Fury, Canelo Alvarez and a yet-to-be-determined fighter for his final fight in the Ukraine.
“Wilder wouldn’t win a round, but I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy because Wilder, as he showed against Tyson Fury, is a tough, tough opponent,” Bob Arum told Fighthype when told Eddie Hearn said that. Deontay Wilder will not win a round against Oleksandr Usyk.
“Fury was beating him up until Wilder knocked Fury down twice before Fury got up and knocked Wilder out. Wilder is a very underrated fighter.
“I think Usyk may be too small for Wilder, and he doesn’t hit like Wilder. I like Wilder in that fight.
“It’s hard to distinguish hitters from different eras. Was he a harder puncher than Earnie Shavers? It’s hard to count. A bigger puncher than George Foreman? It’s hard to count. I would say that for this era, Wilder, next to Fury, is the best puncher in the heavyweight division,” Arum said.
“Everyone is bound by their own opinion,” Wilder told Fighthype of Hearn’s prediction that he won’t win a round against Usyk. “I can’t take my opinion away from him or anyone else.
“We’ll see what happens. Maybe he’s [Hearn] a little salty because his fighter his fighter [Anthony Joshua] was hit, who knows?” Wilder said.
“I heard Usyk will be there,” Wilder said of Usyk’s intention to attend his Oct. 15 fight against Robert Helenius.
“I’ll be looking forward to seeing it. Why not come see a good show? We will welcome you with open arms. I hope he’s taking notes,” Wilder said.
