DEONTAY WILDER has revealed the Pope is a big boxing fan after meeting the head of the catholic church.
The American is just weeks away from his hugely anticipated rematch against Tyson Fury.
And Wilder might have some divine intervention in his corner in the form of Pope Francis.
Speaking about the time he met the pontiff, the 33-year-old told Yahoo Sports: “Meeting the Pope was amazing. It was a humbling experience as well.
“He’s every bit of what I thought he’d be and what others would say as well.
“He loves all the human race and it was amazing to interact with him and see him interact with others as well. It’s nothing but love.
“When you’re coming to meet the Pope and you know he has high interest in your profession, it’s exciting.”
I knock men out. I knock their brains out of their heads literally. All over the canvas
Deontay Wilder
Wilder will once again be putting his unbeaten record on the line against fellow undefeated heavyweight Fury on February 22 in Las Vegas.
And despite the Bronze Bomber’s destructive nature in the ring – he has KO’d every single opponent he’s faced barring Fury – the Pope had humbling words for the boxer.
Wilder continued: “To name me the boxing ambassador of peace and you know my profession is like, so, the opposite of peace.
“I knock men out. I knock their brains out of their heads literally. All over the canvas. Then their body does weird things.
“And I’m the ambassador of peace? But, when I look it at, (the title) it resembles who I am. Every bit of it.
“Outside of the ring I’m a peaceful man. I love all people. I’m the type of person that likes to motivate people and inspire you to do great things.”
More than a year on from their spellbinding first encounter, both the Gypsy King and the Bronze Bomber will hope to take the belt and set up a possible unification showdown with Anthony Joshua.
Fury memorably climbed from the canvas late in the contest, forcing a dramatic draw after bobbing and weaving his way impressively through 11 rounds.
But a huge right-left combo in the last from Wilder looked to have ended the Mancunian’s challenge – only for the 6ft9 giant to clamber back from the jaws of defeat and dance around the desperate American until the bell.
Most boxing fans and writers had Fury winning the fight clearly on points – but the judges saw it different and awarded a draw.
