It’s just scary – every day I’m getting Wilder
BY MARTIN DOMIN
DEONTAY WILDER admits even he is afraid of his transformation into the ‘Bronze Bomber’ alter ego.
The heavyweight world champion will switch from affable giant to stone cold killer as he prepares to defend his title against Tyson Fury next weekend.
And the 6ft 7in wrecking machine fears the ferocity of his own fists as he bids to make the Brit his 40th KO victim.
Wilder said: “When my mind transforms it is a scary feeling because it is a source of power that takes over.
“If I say I want to kill a man, people have a problem with it but it’s not the first time that has been said and it won’t be the last – and it definitely isn’t the worst thing that has been said.
“People have a problem because I possess the power to do it. When I have a feeling come over me, I don’t know the extent of my own power – it’s unexplainable. I am transforming now and on the week of the fight it takes hold, especially the day of the fight.
“I’m no longer myself, nothing is funny, everything is serious, my fiancee would say I’m on my man period, which could be so. Everything irritates me, I don’t have an appetite. When it is time to fight, I’m no longer myself. That’s why I can unleash the energy.”
Wilder slips on a mask for his ring walk and he will show off a new design against Fury in Los Angeles – a crown to represent his assumed place at the top of the heavyweight division.
He added: “Putting the mask on, I zone in. I feel I’m king of the division. I know what I’m capable of doing, I know how I feel, I’m just gifted in this sport. I’m blessed, like my grandmother used to say, I was anointed.”
● BT Sport Box Office will exclusively show Wilder v Fury on December 1, available to buy for £19.95.