Boxing Champion Deontay Wilder: ‘I’m Unpredictable In That Ring’

Deontay Wilder enters his fifth year as the reigning WBC heavyweight boxing champion, a mark that will stand the test of time.

Wilder ended a lengthy drought for American heavyweights with the belt, becoming the first native to win it in nine years when he defeated Bermane Stiverne in 2015.

Since that time, the 34-year-old has picked up 10 successful title defenses – but just nine victories.

The one that got away came in 2018 when he battled Tyson Fury to a draw for the belt. Now, 14 months later, the two square off a second time.

Wilder vs. Fury is set for February 22 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Wilder’s WBC title will be on the line, along with the vacant The Ring and lineal heavyweight titles. The event will air live on pay-per-view.

“When you fight someone like me, it’s a mistake to tinker around with your training camp. I’m unpredictable in that ring,” Wilder said during a recent press conference. “When you have too many opinions and too many people who think they have the remedy, it usually backfires.

“I think this win will be more special than the others. Because of the history that we have, with that controversial draw. I consider Tyson a brother of this era, especially in the heavyweight division. The other fighters don’t want to let themselves loose and have fun. We’re both able to enjoy what we do day after day. Because when the bell rings, anything can happen.”

Wilder KOs Bermane Stiverne In First Round

Wilder is very confident in his own skills, as evident by his unbeaten record over 43 fights. That mark includes wins over Luis Ortiz, Dominic Breazeale and Chris Arreola.

Wilder Vs. Luis Ortiz II Highlights

But in Fury, he knows he is getting a fellow elite boxer.

“Fighting a guy like Fury, you have to be careful. Time goes by so fast in the ring. You’re trying to do everything that you prepared for. With what he brings to the table with his boxing skills, you have to have some awareness of the clock. But with my power, it’s his job to really watch the clock and try to avoid me for 36 minutes,” Wilder said. “We both have to come in like we did the first fight, with our hearts on our sleeves and the warrior mentality that we always bring.

“When you get to this point, the scenery itself makes for a great fight. We all know when I come to fight, I don’t play around. We can play around here today, but we’re going to have that killer mentality in the ring.”