Eddie Hearn has labelled former heavyweight world champion, Deontay Wilder as the most “overrated” fighter in boxing today.
Hearn is currently in the process of negotiating a deal for Anthony Joshua to face Wilder in a long-awaited meeting in Saudi Arabia in December.
‘The Bronze Bomber’ only has two defeats in a career spanning 15 years, both to Tyson Fury with 42 of his 43 victories coming by knockout.
However, the Matchroom boss insists the 37-year-old’s only standout win remains against Luis Ortiz, who he stopped twice in 2018 and 2019 respectively.
Asked who the most overrated fighter is by DAZN, Hearn replied: “Deontay Wilder.
“The reason I say that is because I think Deontay Wilder is a dangerous, knockout artist.
“Luis Ortiz absolutely schooled him and stood him on his head.
“He knocked him out [but] he was 8-0 down in rounds.
“His only victory of note in his entire career is Luis Ortiz.”
Wilder bounced back from a crushing 11th round stoppage defeat to Fury in their third bout by blowing away Robert Helenius inside the opening round in October.
The Alabama man was expected to face fellow former titlist, Andy Ruiz Jr in a final eliminator for Fury’s WBC title, however the pair have been unable to agree terms and it remains unclear if Wilder is prepared to risk a monstrous payday with Joshua in the Middle East, by fighting beforehand.
Joshua is set to gamble his clash with ’The Bronze Bomber’ and appears to be closing in on a rematch with Dillian Whyte for August 12 at the O2 Arena.
Reports on Sunday suggested that Whyte had signed his contract to face ‘AJ’ five weeks on Saturday, having accepted updated terms.
The 35-year-old, who was stopped by Joshua in seven rounds in 2015, took issue with his rival having a rematch clause in the contract, but this has reportedly now been removed.
