Deontay Wilder will not move down from heavyweight to ‘bridgerweight’ even though new category was ‘designed for me’
DEONTAY WILDER says his future remains at heavyweight – even if the new ‘bridgerweight’ category was ‘designed for me’.
The WBC recently announced they will introduce boxing's 18th division, which comes between cruiserweight and heavyweight.
And Wilder – who was outweighed by 50lb when he lost to Tyson Fury in February – appeared to be the perfect face of bridgerweight.
But the former WBC champion has no interest in moving down, even if it did offer him the chance of another belt and mega payday.
He told The Last Stand Podcast. “I understand that people have to make money and this is a way to create a way for people to make people with these belts.
"But, as a fighter that’s in it I don’t understand all these different weight classes and stuff like that.
“If it’s specifically designed for me to be the face of it, you know, I decline.”
Wilder, 35, was dethroned of his heavyweight belt after Fury, 32, stopped him in round seven of their Las Vegas dust up.
He was already signed to an immediate rematch, but as the trilogy got delayed the stipulation expired.
Fury attempted to walk away from the rivalry to make his UK homecoming on December 5.
But Wilder has initiated a mediation to review his case, meaning the Gypsy King is now expected to fight in the US in early 2021.
And the Bronze Bomber has warned Fury he will not be going anywhere, believing his power makes up for what he lacks in size.
Wilder said:“My career is to be a heavyweight and that’s what I got in for and that’s what I’m going to end with. Guys always outweighed me.
"In my last fight I was 231, so far as putting on weight that’s not a difficult part for me.
“As for as going down in weight my power makes up for all of that.
"If they really want me hurt someone and smash the head into an avocado then be my guest. I have too much power for a weight class that low.
"I’m already knocking guys out that weigh 50 pounds heavier than me, 30 pounds heavier than me, I don’t think it would be a good idea to go lower than what I am.
"I should be exempt for that. But that’s just my opinion.”
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