Deontay Wilder Throws Shade at Fury and Joshua, Usyk Made Them Look Like Amateurs.
In the ever-competitive world of boxing, every opinion counts, and Deontay Wilder’s latest comments about his heavyweight rivals have added fuel to the fire. In a bold statement, Deontay Wilder threw shade at both Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, claiming that Oleksandr Usyk had “made them look like amateurs” in their respective encounters. This bold critique of the two heavyweight titans follows Usyk’s dominant performances, most notably his wins over Joshua, which have sparked intense debates across the boxing world.
Wilder, who has faced Fury in an unforgettable trilogy of fights, has always been known for his outspoken nature. However, his comments about Usyk’s abilities have added another layer of intrigue to the already fiery heavyweight division. Wilder’s statement regarding Fury and Joshua could be seen as an attempt to highlight the contrast in fighting styles between the three fighters and the Ukrainian champion, Usyk.
Usyk’s Dominance: A Tough Challenge for the Heavyweight Elite
Oleksandr Usyk, a former undisputed cruiserweight champion, made a bold move into the heavyweight division, and his skills have quickly established him as a serious threat. After moving up in weight, Usyk took on Anthony Joshua twice, outclassing the British star in two fights. His ability to outmaneuver and outbox Joshua, despite the size and power disadvantage, led many to consider him the most technically skilled heavyweight boxer on the planet. Usyk’s calculated, technical approach contrasted sharply with the brawling, knockout-heavy styles of Joshua and Fury.
Deontay Wilder, who is known for his devastating power and unorthodox style, has long been critical of more traditional boxing techniques. Wilder feels that Usyk exposed the limitations of fighters like Joshua and Fury, especially in terms of their fundamental boxing skills. According to Wilder, Usyk’s superior footwork, precision, and boxing IQ were too much for Joshua to handle, making the heavyweight elite appear inexperienced by comparison.
Wilder’s comment about Joshua and Fury being made to look like “amateurs” seems to stem from his admiration for Usyk‘s pure boxing technique. Usyk’s victory over Joshua in 2021 was a masterclass in defensive and offensive boxing, with Usyk’s speed and agility proving too much for Joshua, who was outboxed at nearly every turn. In contrast to Wilder’s knockout-focused style, Usyk dominated with slick movement and strategic punches, earning him widespread recognition as one of the most technically gifted heavyweights of his generation.
Deontay Wilder’s Role in the Heavyweight Division
As a former WBC heavyweight champion, Deontay Wilder has been at the center of some of the most dramatic moments in heavyweight boxing over the past few years, particularly his trilogy with Tyson Fury. Despite suffering two losses to Fury in their iconic fights, Wilder’s punching power is still one of the most feared in the division. His criticisms of both Joshua and Fury serve as a reflection of his belief that boxing skills—rather than raw power or size—should be the defining factor in a fighter’s legacy.
Wilder has also indicated that he believes Usyk’s win over Joshua further solidified the notion that heavyweight boxing should be about technique, speed, and intelligence, rather than just brute force. In a division often dominated by large, powerful punchers, Usyk has shown that skill and strategy can lead to victories over even the most intimidating of opponents.
What’s Next for Wilder, Fury, and Joshua?
The words from Deontay Wilder will no doubt keep fans speculating about potential future matchups in the heavyweight division. Wilder has made it clear that he feels he is the most dangerous puncher in the division and could very well pose a significant challenge to Usyk if the two were ever to meet. While Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are still major figures in the heavyweight scene, Wilder’s commentary suggests that the current hierarchy may be shifting, with Usyk emerging as the new dominant force.
The heavyweight division is now at a crossroads, with Wilder, Fury, Joshua, and Usyk all vying for supremacy. Wilder’s comments bring attention to the stylistic differences that define the division today—fury, power, and brute force versus skill, agility, and intelligence. The future of heavyweight boxing is sure to be defined by these intense rivalries, and Deontay Wilder’s remarks only add to the excitement.