Listen back to talkSPORT’s live, exclusive and no holds barred interview with WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder.
The Bronze Bomber joined the Jim White show on Friday morning for an exclusive chat ahead of a UK tour and had his say on his heavyweight rivals, drugs cheats and a whole lot more.
Of course, the recent revelations about Dillian Whyte reportedly failing a drugs test dominated discussion, but the big-hitting American also weighed in on Anthony Joshua’s shock defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr, the possibility of facing the Mexican fighter and his reaction to his classic fight with Tyson Fury.
But the big highlight could well be calling talkSPORT’s Perry Groves ‘Jerry’ and his classic BOMB SQUAD sign off!
If you missed it live on air, don’t worry – we’ve got the whole interview for you right here. Listen in full above and read the best bits below.
On his controversial draw with Tyson Fury after Brit’s final round knockdown
“To see him rise up, it was one of those moments like ‘what in the hell?’
“It is interesting for the sport. It brings the drama to it and I am so happy to be part of this division in these times. The fight was amazing, it was controversial. I will forever say I knocked him out, which I did. The judges had it right. It was a very close fight, it wasn’t as far away as people put it.
“He is an alright guy, Tyson Fury. He brings a certain type of personality to the division. We need different personalities here. This is what makes it so exciting. I know we say things and do things
but it is a part of the sport. I always deal with somebody that is gonna bring a great show and put on a great performance for the fans.”
Wilder on Dillian Whyte drugs test saga
“I just shook my head. It’s over and over again, how many times are we going to hear about fighters doing this?
“We are going to hear about it a lot more in the future too.
“He was so close, he was crying about how he wasn’t getting opportunities – he wanted people to feel sorry for him.
“Then he finally gets his chance and then, damn…
“The system needs to change. I believe in second chances but I believe in three strikes and you’re out, banned for life.”
Wilder on Anthony Joshua’s defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr
“I wasn’t amazed at all. I knew Ruiz had some great skills and knew Joshua would be up for a test.
“He had never been over in the USA in his professional career and there was so much going on in the heavyweight division, like my performance in my fight. I could see how pressure was added to it.
“I think Ruiz beat him too easily and Joshua won’t know how he lost right now. Joshua quit. He spit the mouthpiece out – that is one sign. That is an easy old trick.
“He looked to the corner – a sign he was looking for a way out. I don’t think he is a quitter but he quit that night.”
On possibility of facing Anthony Joshua
“The belts are switching up to different hands. Just because someone loses doesn’t mean it is the end of the road. That is how you become a two-time, three-time, four-time champion.
“The heavyweight division is so small – there is enough space for everybody to get in with everybody. Before I retire I want to be able to say I fought all of the best, no matter who they were. I’m not going to be here long.”
On a potential undisputed showdown with Andy Ruiz Jr
“In boxing anything is possible. With Andy, we are on the same team so it’ll be a lot easier to make that fight happen.
“It’s interesting at the moment, I’m open to anything and everything.
“This is an exciting division and I’m going to di everything I can to keep it that way as the champion.
“I’m the best in the world and I’m willing to prove that every time.”
On being WBC heavyweight champion
“I told my daughter when she was one year old, ‘your daddy is one day going to be world champion of the world’.
“When I won my first title at the MGM grand against Bermane Stiverne, I thanked God and looked at her and thanked her too.
“Everything I have, I give to them. I’m blessed.”
On his family
“You’re going to make me cry, I love my babies, I’ve got eight now.
“I got into boxing to help them and set them up.
“My kids are unique and I love them being different like me. We all have a great energy and we release that into the world.
“I’ve cried many times thinking about my kids and now I want to give them the world.”
