Heavyweight knockout artist Deontay Wilder recently offered his thoughts on dream opponents from the past and present, his zero-tolerance policy on performance-enhancing drugs, and his openness to exploring opportunities outside of boxing, including crossovers with the UFC and WWE.
A Quest for Unification and Respect for Legends
When asked about his dream boxing match, Wilder’s vision was split between historical greats and current-day champions, emphasizing a connection to his home state of Alabama.
“If I could go back in the past, I would love to fight ‘The Brown Bomber’ aka Joe Louis,” Wilder said. “He comes from the same state as I or even [Evander] Holyfield. A ‘Bama boy coming from the same state as I.”
In the present day, however, his professional goal is clearly defined by the championship landscape. “I’m looking to unify. So that means whoever has the belt at the current time IS the dream fight,” he stated, positioning himself to take on the top heavyweights in the world.
Zero Tolerance for Drug Cheats
Wilder pulled no punches when discussing the issue of performance-enhancing drugs, specifically mentioning a fighter he was previously scheduled to face, Jerrell “Big Baby” Miller. He expressed no disappointment over the fight’s cancellation.
“No, not at all. There wasn’t anything to prove with Jerrell. He hasn’t proved anything within himself only to be a drug cheat,” Wilder stated, voicing a strong stance against doping.
The issue has proven costly for the former champion. “I’ve done lost $5 million dollars dealing with drug cheats and a lot much more than that.”
Wilder views cheating as a fundamental compromise of an athlete’s potential, linking it directly to the concept of greatness. “In this business I consider us as warriors and we all have greatness in us; but greatness is only determined by service,” he explained. “If you’re short handing yourself from your greatness then, how great can you really think you feel or know that you are? You’re cheating and you’re cheating yourself out of greatness. I don’t condone in it.”
Too Big for McGregor, Open to Crossover Opportunities with UFC and WWE
The heavy-handed boxer quickly dismissed any notion of fighting UFC star Conor McGregor due to the significant difference in size.
“Me and Connor McGregor… our weight sizes is not even comparable, you know what I mean? He’s a smaller guy and I’m a bigger so, there would never be a fight between me and him. Even exhibition-wise he’d be too small for me. He’s good at what he do, but he’s too small,” he confirmed.
Despite ruling out a fight with McGregor, Wilder revealed he is actively exploring the world of combat sports crossovers, mentioning the WWE and UFC.
“Maybe one day [I would go over to the WWE or UFC]. You never know. I got something going on right now with a UFC fighter in the works that he’s looking to cross over to boxing and maybe we could have a fight right there,” he shared.
His interest is fueled by the opportunities and business appeal: “I wouldn’t mind going over to the UFC because they’re over there doing their thing as well. You know, like I always tell those guys and the thing is: if it makes dollars, it makes sense, you know what I mean?”
Wilder emphasized that his commitment is total, regardless of the sport or opponent. “I tell people all the time we’re all warriors and I wear my heart on my shoulders and my sleeve so anything that I do, I’m passionate about. I give it my all and I’m willing to die for what I believe in.”
Boxing is Life, but Kobe was King
Wilder admitted he is no longer a “hoop-head,” as boxing has consumed his focus completely. “Boxing has taken over my life completely, you know? It’s a year-round sport so you got to breathe, eat, and sleep it! It’s NO DAYS OFF when you’re talking about the business,” he stressed, indicating little time for other interests.
While his current focus is solely on the squared circle, he reminisced about his athletic past, saying, “When I was younger I used to play ball — basketball, football, baseball… I ran track; if I had time for soccer, I would’ve done that too!”
When asked which NBA player he thought had the physical gifts to successfully transition to boxing, a legend immediately came to mind.
“Oh man! I wish Kobe were still alive because Kobe used to do it a lot too and I think Kobe would’ve been great!” he said.
