NEW YORK - American heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder defended his WBC title for the third time with a devastating ninth round knockout of Polish challenger Artur Szpilka on Saturday night, live on SHOWTIME in front of 12,668 fans at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.
With WBA and WBO Heavyweight World Champion Tyson Fury and Wilder's mandatory challenger Alexander Povetkin watching from ringside, Wilder (36-0, 35 KOs) impressed yet again in knocking out his 35th opponent in 36 fights.
Fury, the outspoken British unified world champion, climbed into the ring after the fight and claimed he wanted to fight Wilder in a unification blockbuster.
"Any time, any place, anywhere. I'll fight you in your backyard after I beat (Wladimir) Klitschko again."
Wilder, the first American heavyweight champion in nearly a decade, dismissed Fury's antics while promising he was game for a showdown that is undoubtedly one of the biggest fights that can be made in boxing.
"We all know Fury is just a phony," Wilder said. "This is just an act. I'm not scared of anybody. We'll come to your backyard. This is just an act - you're not a real fighter. I don't play. This isn't wrestling. When you do step in that ring with me I promise you I will baptize you.
"I would love to fight him next, unfortunately, I have other mandatories due. Make the date Tyson, I promise you."