Deontay Wilder says he is keen to land a fight with Oleksandr Usyk, but admits he is doubtful that the unified heavyweight world champion will keep to his vow of facing him.
Usyk was expected to be ringside in Brooklyn on Saturday night to witness Wilder’s return after a year lay-off, but the Ukrainian was not in attendance as ‘The Bronze Bomber’ dispatched of Robert Helenius inside the first round at Barclays Center.
The 35-year-old was expected to face Tyson Fury in a unification, but revealed he required more time to recover following his rematch victory over Anthony Joshua in August.
Prior to talks breaking down between Fury and Joshua, Usyk had turned his attention to a clash with Wilder.
When asked who he wanted to face next, he told the Ring Magazine: “Deontay Wilder.
“Wilder is a dangerous fighter, and that fight would most likely be in the United States.”
However, the American has cast doubt over whether he is serious about meeting him, but confirmed that his team would be reaching out to Usyk’s representatives.
“I think it’s going to be very difficult [to make a fight with Usyk],” Wilder said in his post-fight press conference after beating Helenius.
“I’d be very suprised if he sticks to his word.
“I’m a man of my word. I abide by principles, morals and goals.
“They say that if you don’t believe in something, you’ll fall for anything. And I believe in something.
“You know, and the last champion that came to a fight that said he would give me a fight, he went the other way after a devastating knockout.
“You know what I’m saying? We talking about Joseph Parker. You know, so we’ll see what happens.
“And I’m gonna keep Usyk to his word.
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“You know, we will be calling his team, you know, and whoever his handler is, and we’re gonna see what’s up.
“And if he a man of his word, what a hell of a fight it would be.”
Wilder is set to be ordered to face Andy Ruiz Jr in a final eliminator for Fury’s WBC crown at a convention in Mexico next month.
