Former heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs has given his prediction for the strongly rumoured showdown between Oleksandr Usyk and Deontay Wilder.
Last week, Usyk announced the decision to vacate the WBC, IBF and WBA. However, the Ukrainian confirmed he wouldn’t be retiring straightaway, targeting one more fight before hanging up the gloves on a stellar career.
Talks to face former WBC titlist Wilder have restarted after stalling earlier in the year. Usyk’s team has made it clear that the three-time undisputed champion wants to headline in the US before retiring, and Wilder, as one of this era’s standouts, makes sense. ‘The Bronze Bomber’s team have said they are open to taking the fight.
Speaking to Wilder in a clip captured by ES News, fellow knockout artist Briggs advised ‘The Bronze Bomber’ on how to approach the match-up. ‘The Cannon’ concluded that the American would be able to win against the undefeated Usyk.
“He’s gonna fight Usyk and I’m rooting for him. He deserves the fight because he’s fought so many fights and defended his title so many times.”
“I want you to win that fight. You are going to do your thing. I know you are going to pull it off, too, with that right hand you got. Listen champ, just line him up, line him up. Hit them on top of the head.”
“He’s gonna come like this [in the southpaw stance] and he don’t leave much [open]. But, with that right hand you got, right down the middle… You’re gonna do it.”
Wilder is coming off a rare points victory over Derek Chisora in Manchester, and had been understood to be considering a rematch before this opportunity presented itself. With talks reportedly now ongoing behind the scenes, fans may not have to wait too long for an announcement, though Usyk is also considering a left-field fight with former UFC champion Jon Jones.
