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Former heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder is in talks for a showdown with WBA belt holder Murat Gassiev after plans for a fight against Oleksandr Usyk collapsed.
The American (45-4-1, 43 KOs) outpointed Derek Chisora in April, halting a slump of four defeats across his previous six bouts. The 41-year-old former WBC champion had been linked with Usyk before the Ukrainian chose to move back down to cruiserweight.
"Usyk wants too much money—that's what I'm hearing. If that's the case, it's only natural to seek what you feel you deserve. I've won and lost huge sums myself, but when it comes to fighting, I've always just wanted to find out who the best is. My goal is to face the toughest competition. When it's all over, money doesn't follow you to the grave. Belts don't either. But your legacy lives on forever," Wilder told the IBA.
Wilder has not held a world title since his loss to Tyson Fury in February 2020. His career experienced a downturn following that defeat and their 2021 trilogy rematch, despite his recent victory over Chisora.
Nevertheless, the veteran claims he still feels 19 inside the ring:
"Age is just a number. We don't get older; we get wiser. The only things we can control are how we feel, what we eat, and how we treat our bodies."
The American, who believes the heavyweight division is currently stagnating, hopes to finalize terms for a fight against Gassiev (34-2, 27 KOs).
"There is definitely communication between my team and Murat's camp, which I'm pleased about. Out of all the available options, that's the one I want to materialize. He's a great guy and a tremendous champion. He's been in my training camps, we've sparred together, and he fully deserves to be a champion. Right now, heavyweight boxing is boring and lifeless again. I brought it back once, and I'll do it again. Mark my words," Wilder concluded.
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