Former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder has been ridiculed by Tyson Fury’s promoter in the United States, Bob Arum, after doubling down on claims that last February’s defeat to the ‘Gypsy King’ was through no fault of his own. Wilder went into the fight still undefeated after securing a draw against Fury in their first meeting, but was outclassed and overpowered by the Brit who sealed victory at the second time of asking by way of technical knockout in the seventh round.
Immediately after the bout, Wilder went straight to his book of excuses, claiming that the elaborate costume he wore on his way to the ring weighed him down too much and contributed to the result.
The American has also suggested that his water was spiked with a muscle relaxant by former trainer Mark Breland, and that Fury cheated by inserting weights into his gloves.
Arum, who is currently negotiating Fury’s highly-anticipated clash with compatriot and fellow champion Anthony Joshua, has dismissed Wilder’s increasingly far-fetched excuses, likening his claims to those made by Donald Trump after his defeat in November’s presidential election.
The controversial politician and business mogul insisted that widespread voter fraud had taken place in favour of winning candidate Joe Biden, a suggestion that has since been debunked.
“Deontay Wilder has been spoiled by our former president Donald Trump who says you can say any lie, or any preposterous thing and maybe some people believe it,” Arum told Fight Night on Saturday.
“In Trump’s case, they believed it and stormed the capital. Deontay Wilder, again, irresponsible what he’s saying, totally.
“Whether it’s about Tyson Fury, Mark Breland – a tremendous guy – Deontay Wilder is not making any sense.
“But hey, if the former president who served for four years doesn’t make sense, I mean, Deontay Wilder is just another Trumpian.”
Arum’s verdict mirrors that of Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn, who has criticised Wilder on a number of previous occasions.
