By Mitch Abramson
WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder (34-0, 33KOs) wasn’t shy about throwing his hat into the ring on the topic of supplanting Floyd Mayweather Jr. as the sport’s next superstar since Mayweather stated Saturday’s fight will be his last.
Mayweather announced his retirement following his lopsided twelve round decision victory over Andre Berto at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Wilder, a heavyweight titlist who faces unheralded Frenchman Johann Duhaupas on Sept. 26, boldly predicted that while Mayweather has had a remarkable career, “now it’s my time.”
“Oh most definitely,” Wilder said of taking Mayweather’s spot atop the sport one day. “Most definitely. After Floyd went out- and Deontay Wilder comes in. That’s the plan. That’s always been the plan. And I’m making sure that plan is played out like it’s supposed to. I am the (WBC) heavyweight champion and the heavyweights are the cream of the crop and now is our time."
"We’re bringing it back and Floyd has done a marvelous job with his career and stuff like that but now it’s my time. Now it’s Deontay Wilder’s time for the big guys to rule the division like they once did and I’m the man for the job.”
