Deontay Wilder may have a fight lined up, but he’s still keeping his options open.
Wilder is expected to face Jai Opetaia on the undercard of Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua, which is set for Dec. 11 at Principality Stadium in Cardiff and streams on Netflix. On Monday, it was reported that a deal is done for the cruiserweight champion to welcome Wilder to the heavyweight ranks.
In a new interview with the IBA, though, Wilder named another target: WBA “regular” heavyweight champion Murat Gassiev.
There is some communication between me and Murat’s team for sure, and I would love that. Out of all the choices, I would love for that one to go. He’s a great guy, a great champion. He’s been to my camps before, and we’ve sparred. To see him as a champion is well deserved.
Gassiev, a former cruiserweight champion, won the WBA “regular” belt by knocking out Kubrat Pulev in Dubai. A win over him would put Wilder back in world title contention.
I want to fight the people who are supposed to be the best. When it’s all over, the money isn’t going to go with you when you die. The belts aren’t going to go with you either. But your legacy will live on forever.
Wilder’s last fight was a split-decision win over Derek Chisora in London. He posted a training video on Monday night, but didn’t name an opponent.
