WBN asked Deontay Wilder his thoughts on the David Haye-Tyson Fury British blockbuster at the time.
Wilder’s thoughts make for interesting reading considering where Fury is today as an outright champion.
Haye and Fury signed on the dotted line for a massive clash on Sky Sports. The date was set for September 28 at the Manchester Arena as British fans prepared for the big event.
In the weeks leading up to the fight, top contender Wilder was asked his opinion on how the fight would go.
Due to spending time in the gym with Haye during their sparring session in 2012, Wilder took the smaller and faster ex-heavyweight king to shock the six-foot-nine beast.
Unsurprisingly, as Haye has had some form in defeating the giants who have opposed him. Just ask Mykolai Valuev.
Deontay Wilder on Fury vs. Haye
Wilder said: “David and I always work well and work hard. There is no slacking off,” Wilder told World Boxing News exclusively as the pair enjoyed a training camp together.
“We want sparring to be tougher than wrestling. David knows that I give myself to everyone. That’s why he wants me.
“When my schedule fits my fights and I can be there, he knows I’m there for him.
“He also knows that I will fight anyone. I wrestled with Audley and he’s like a big brother to me. I want a title fight sooner, and it doesn’t matter who it’s against.”
Making a bold prediction, the ‘Bronze Bomber’ added: ‘If David is going to fight in Fury, the way we work, he’s going to win and who knows?
“Like I said before, I’ll fight anyone. This year is going to end well for me, and 2014 will be even better!”
Wilder just came out in opposition. The Tuscaloosa native beat Harrison and Sergey Liakhovich by just one round each. Soon the American was competing for the heavyweight title.
As for meeting Haye, that never seemed like a viable option. Haye has always stood up for Wilder, even when facing Fury.
In 2020, Fury took Wilder’s “0” in fantastic fashion. He stopped the former world champion for seven rounds. Could Haye handle a Fury like this? Very doubtful.
But then “The Gypsy King” was far from a finished article. Rage was dethroned by the overwhelming 200-pounder Steve Cunningham back in April 2013.
A result like that would give Haye all the confidence he needs to take on the big man. Unfortunately, this was not the case.
The prediction is invalid
A week before the fight with Fury, Haye received a cut. This scenario led to the cancellation of the second show in a row. Earlier that year, Haye refused to face Manuel Char.
While rescheduling the fight with Fury Brit to February 2014, Haye injured his shoulder and required surgery.
It would be three and a half years since his last fight when he finally returned to action in 2016.
As for Deontay Wilder, he faced Fury in the trilogy, losing twice and drawing one.
WBN editor Phil Jay has over a decade of experience in boxing news. Follow WBN on Facebook @officialworldboxingnews, Instagram and Twitter @world boxing news.
Interview uncovers stark Deontay Wilder pick for Fury vs Haye
