As BoxingScene.com previously reported, the World Boxing Council has vowed to investigate heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder after he was quoted as saying he wanted to cause a death in a boxing ring.
In an interview with syndicated New York radio show, The Breakfast Club, Wilder triggered revulsion throughout boxing by saying he hoped to "have a body" on his record.
"I want a body on my record. I want one. I really do," Wilder said, referring to himself in his 'Bronze Bomber' ring persona. "That's the 'Bronze Bomber'. He wants one. I always tell people that when I'm in the ring then I'm the 'Bronze Bomber' and with him, it's so crazy, I don't really care. Everything about me changes. I don't get nervous. I don't get scared. I don't get butterflies. I don't have any feeling towards the other man in the fight."
Wilder, the reigning WBC heavyweight champion, boasted that he believed he had almost achieved his goal during a ninth-round knockout of Artur Szpilka in 2016.
"The power that I have, it's easy to be able to do," Wilder said. "I thought I had one one time with Szpilka because he wasn't breathing when he hit the canvas. Somebody is going to go."
WBO, IBF, IBO, WBA heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (21-0, 20 KOs) was shaking his head when advised of the statements.
However, when quizzed about Wilder’s latest comments, Joshua refused to be drawn in.
“Each to their own. It’s not my job to talk on what they day. Wilder is Wilder,” Joshua said. “That’s what you’re going to get. That’s what he wants to do.
"I wouldn’t want a body on my record. I always say my little prayer in the corner. I pray for success and I pray for his health and that he’ll be safe when he leaves the ring.
“I even made sure I spoke to Parker’s mum before she left and said ‘pat your son on the back, he’s done well and he’ll be back’. Why would I want to kill her son in the ring? Each to their own. For me, that’s not who I am. For him… let’s not belittle him for what he says. Let’s accept him.”
Deontay Wilder