If the war of words leading up to Saturday night’s title fight between Deontay Wilder and Dominic Breazeale are anything like the actual bout, we should expect plenty of fireworks.
Wilder defends his WBC heavyweight title against Breazeale live on Showtime from the Barclays Center.
“It’s going to be an amazing night for me, and a sad night for him. Being heavyweight champion is a big responsibility. Not everyone is made to be a champion. It’s more than being glamorous or carrying around this prestigious belt,” Wilder said. “I’ve trained harder than I’ve ever trained. He’s got me inspired like I was against Bermane Stiverne. I want to hurt Breazeale so bad. I’m going to keep my composure until that time comes Saturday night.
“These fighters always get into great shape and think they have the game plan to beat me. They think they’re going to catch me. It’s not going to work. Nothing this guy has prepared for is going to work.”
Wilder is coming off a draw with Tyson Fury from last December. He is 40-0-1 and has held the WBC title since 2015 when he bested Bermane Stiverne.
The lone loss in the career of Breazeale came in 2016 when he was finished by champion Anthony Joshua. He has scored three consecutive wins since, all via finish, to improve to 20-1.
“I’m super excited for this fight. Virgil Hunter and myself had a great camp. It was truly one of the best of my life. I’m mentally focused and physically right,” he said. “I’m excited to be back and get another knockout win. Getting that WBC belt is everything to me. This is my Super Bowl.
“Victory for me on Saturday is everything. Wilder doesn’t know what he’s getting himself into. He’s in for a fight. He better be confident in his abilities, because Saturday night, he’s going to be in the toughest fight of his life.”
The card also features Gary Russell Jr. defending his WBC featherweight title vs. former champion Kiko Martinez and Juan Heraldez battling Argenis Mendez.