Anthony Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn says Deontay Wilder is ‘overrated’ and ‘NEVER beaten an elite heavyweight’
EDDIE HEARN has claimed Deontay Wilder is overrated and “NEVER beaten an elite heavyweight.”
The two superstar rivals are in talks for a super-fight in Saudi Arabia in January with Hearn leading talks.
But the promoter has already started the fighting words by questioning Wilder’s record.
He told Boxing Social: “I cannot believe how highly people rate Deontay Wilder. He’s never beaten a top-five heavyweight.
“Luis Ortiz is his best win – he was getting smashed in the first fight, he was 7-0 down in the second fight. He’s never beaten an elite heavyweight.”
Wilder, 37, made ten successful WBC title defences, losing only to Tyson Fury, 35, in their rematch and trilogy bout.
The American returned last October, knocking out Robert Helenius, 39, in just 40 seconds.
And it was Helenius who replaced Dillian Whyte, 35, following a failed test to fight Joshua, 33.
AJ took seven rounds to take Helenius out and Hearn hopes it will set up the blockbuster bout with Wilder.
He said: “I think that he can beat Deontay Wilder comfortably, but he could also get beat by Deontay Wilder.
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“I don’t think necessarily, I mean, the good thing is he got – what was it – seven rounds in against a tall opponent who can punch a bit with the backhand?
“I think it’s difficult to replicate certainly the power of Deontay Wilder. But I’ve always felt that AJ can outbox Deontay Wilder.”
Hearn is set to conduct talks with Saudi’s Skills Challenge Entertainment and Wilder’s manager Shelly Finkel.