Former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay ‘The Bronze Bomber’ Wilder 42-2-1 (41) is hoping to punch his ticket for a shot at unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk 20-0 (13).
Usyk, who retained his WBA, WBO and IBF world titles in his immediate rematch against Anthony Joshua 24-3 (22) in August, is hoping to face WBC champion Tyson Fury 32-0-1 (23) in February of March next year.
Wilder is set to face Robert ‘The Nordic Nightmare’ Helenius 31-3 (20) at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on Saturday night. He believes victory will put him in prime position to land a bout with Usyk if negotiations with Fury fall apart.
“Many people have said many things to me about wanting to fight, but when the time came, they went another way,” said Wilder, who has lost his last two bouts to Fury by knockout. “I’ve asked around about Oleksandr Usyk ad I’ve been told he’s a man of his word. Upon me being victorious, we’ll see what happens.”
Wilder and Helenius know each other well after the Finnish boxer joined Wilder in camp as a sparring partner in previous years.
“This is a huge deal for him and the position that he’s in after this fight,” said Wilder to the Breakfast Club Power 105.1. “If victorious, he’s going to become mandatory for Usyk.
“This is a WBC eliminator. Either one of us [can fight Usyk next]. For him, he’s the mandatory for a certain belt [WBA] that he has. Usyk will be in the audience as well. He says he wants the winner of this fight.
“So the next fight could be for a title, and especially if Usyk is a man of his word, which I know a couple of people that have been around him and know him. They validate for him, so we’ll see what happens.
“My opponent Robert, he’s never been in this position before. He’s always wanted to be a champion for his country. So this is a big opportunity for him.
“He’s been my longtime sparring partner as well, so we kind of know each other well. The thing about it, this is where it counts. Everybody brings their A+ game when they’re fighting me, for sure.
“My only thing with him is, I hope he’s fair. A lot of these guys, when they get to a certain point and they want to cheat and do certain things and whatever. There are so many products out here that can’t be detected.
“The drug game and people detecting it, they’re always behind because there’s always something being created. We’ll see what happens. I’m looking forward to this fight; it’s going to be an amazing fight. Although he’s my sparring partner when I get in the ring, I turn it on.”
