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NEW YORK, NY – MAY 17: Deontay Wilder looks on during his official weigh-in against Dominic Breazeale at LIU Athletic Center on May 17, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK, NY – MAY 17: Deontay Wilder looks on during his official weigh-in against Dominic Breazeale at LIU Athletic Center on May 17, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
With each passing week, it looks more likely that Anthony Joshua will face Tyson Fury for the undisputed heavyweight title. Although boxing fans will be excited about the fight, one man finds himself in a sticky situation. Former WBC champion, Deontay Wilder, will be torn between the two fighters.
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NEW YORK, NY – March 2: MANDATORY CREDIT Bill Tompkins/Getty Images Deontay Wilder speaks to the press during the weighin for his upcoming Heavyweight fight against Luis Ortiz at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn, New Yorkon March 2, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Bill Tompkins/Getty Images)
Wilder held the WBC titles for a long time before Tyson Fury beat him last February. Since then, ‘The Bronze Bomber’ has been at a war of words with ‘The Gypsy King’. However, before that, the American made no secret of his dismay at Anthony Joshua. So, who will he root for?
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Unfortunately for Wilder, he will have to back one fighter he doesn’t like. Despite the history between the two fighters, Wilder will have to root for ‘AJ’ and hope the Londoner wins that bout.
The reason for this is pretty simple. Wilder has a better chance of beating the unified champion than the WBC champion. Fury showed his superior boxing IQ and skills and dismantled Wilder. However, Joshua is not as awkward as Fury, and thus, ‘The Bronze Bomber’ would have a better opportunity.
READ: Why Deontay Wilder vs Andy Ruiz Jr. is the Fight to Make
Rooting for Anthony Joshua would be difficult for Deontay Wilder
Backing the Londoner to beat Fury is not as simple as it sounds for the American. This is solely because of the history the pair share. Wilder has never rated ‘AJ’ as a quality boxer and has said he is not among the top heavyweights in the world.
However, if he has to pick Joshua to beat Fury, he has to admit ‘AJ’ is better than the WBC champion. Moreover, Fury defeated Wilder convincingly, which proved he is a better fighter than Wilder. Therefore, if Wilder backs Joshua, he is all but admitting that ‘AJ’ is better than him.
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Despite that, it would still give him a better chance to become a world champion again. ‘The Gypsy King’ declared that the Wilder chapter is over for him. However, Joshua has unfinished business with the former WBC champion. Thus, he may give him a shot at the titles if he wins.
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What do you make of this situation for Deontay Wilder? Who do you think he should root for?
READ: Is Anthony Joshua the Most Protected Boxer in the World?
