LAS VEGAS – World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight champion
Deontay Wilder says once he has surpassed the late great Muhammad
Ali's record by beating Tyson Fury in their much-anticipated rematch
on Saturday, the he will go onto bigger targets.
The two giants meet in the world-famous MGM Grand Garden Arena for
the first time since their epic duel 18 months ago in Los Angeles.
Britain's Fury is unbeaten in 30 fights after he climbed off the
canvas twice and dramatically rose from an unconscious position in
the 12th round to earn a draw against Wilder.
The self-proclaimed "bronze bomber" Wilder, who has a devastating
punch resulting in 41 knock-outs from 42 fights, aims to surpass
Ali's mark of 11 consecutive title defences with another vicious
finish.
"This is my eleventh consecutive title defence. It's an amazing
feeling," Wilder said during Tuesday's grand arrivals at the
MGM. "That ties me with my idol Muhammad Ali and when I knock out
Tyson Fury, I will go on even further and do amazing things."
It's a classic puncher versus boxer debate with many boxing experts
believing Wilder wins by knockout while others predict former
champion Fury will out-box his opposite to a points decision.
Fury won his first set of heavyweight titles by dethroning Wladimir
Klitschko on points in 2015 before he was stripped of his belts for
inactivity after a period of drug abuse and mental health issues.
The man who calls himself the "Gypsy King" because of his travelling
heritage has a different approach this time around, claiming at
Tuesday's arrivals he would dismiss Wilder by knockout in two rounds.
He added that a points win for Wilder after 12 rounds was
unrealistic. "If it goes 12 rounds I have won," Fury told the BBC.
"One of the greatest boxers that has ever lived in [Floyd] Mayweather
has come from this town and they can appreciate a master boxer here
[in Las Vegas].
"When someone stands up to Deontay Wilder, he will fold. I will prove
that on Saturday."
The winner of this clash will likely chase the first-ever four-belt
undisputed fight with Britain's Anthony Joshua, who retained his
titles after a seismic loss to Andy Ruiz in a December rematch held
in Saudi Arabia.
Wilder reportedly made an offer of 50 million dollars to fight Joshua
but with the two former Olympic medallists contracted to rival TV
networks, a deal could not happen.
"My goal is to have one champion, one face, one name in the
heavyweight division and I'm in pursuit of that," said Wilder.
"This fight [against Fury] is living proof that no matter what
network people are on or what network I'm on, the best fights can
happen. It's a time to put all egos aside so we can finally eat at
the same dinner table together."
Fury has a much shorter career plan as he aims to retire for a second
and final time after losing his belts in a trilogy of farewell
fights.
"Three more fights, whether it takes a year or 18 months," he said
when prompted about his future in the ring.
"The Gypsy King will be no more within two years that's for sure."