Deontay Wilder is backing Oleksandr Usyk to repeat his victory over Anthony Joshua after watching the pair square up on Tuesday.
The former World Boxing Council heavyweight champion, who reigned for five years, sees Usyk coming out on top again.
Wilder, on the comeback road from two defeats against Tyson Fury, aired his views via facetime.
Deontay Wilder prediction
“I’m going with Usyk here, man,” Wilder told Elie Seckbach while on a video call with trainer Malik Scott.
“I’m going with Usyk, and I think many people are [due to the first fight]. You know, it’s boxing at the end of the day, so you know – we’ll see. But I think it’s Usyk.”
Joshua believes he can turn the tide from last September at Tottenham Stadium. Usyk put on a masterclass to take his three world titles.
London’s finest now has to adjust with new trainer Robert Garcia and try to figure out Usyk’s elusive style.
“I’m focused on the goal god willing I’ll perform, and I’ll become three-time Heavyweight Champion of the World,” said Joshua, who previously lost to Andy Ruiz Jr. in New York in 2019.
“With Andy Ruiz, I think many people can see things weren’t 100% before the fight. You’ve got to be strong, thick-skinned. We take our loss like a man.
“When I win, I keep it moving, and I thank everybody. When you lose, you have to stay humble as well in defeat. We kept it moving, and I knew I could come back again and do what I have to do.”
Wilder return
Wilder has taken a break from the sport for the past eight months. During that time, he released his first music single alongside his brother Marsellos.
“The Bronze Bomber” also had a statue unveiled outside the Tuscaloosa Tourism Center for his contribution to boxing.
A comeback is said to be on the cards in 2022. However, Wilder missed the chance to oppose Ruiz on a fall Pay Per View.
Due to Wilder’s absence, handler Al Haymon gave the PPV spot to Luis Ortiz for September 4th.
If Wilder does return this year, it’s more likely to be around the last quarter of the year.
Several opponents under the Premier Boxing Champions banner will be under consideration for Wilder and Haymon.
Contenders won’t be rushing to bang Haymon’s door down – that’s for sure.
