Wilder stated recently he’d have knocked out any heavyweight from any era when asked whether he could have beaten a 1986 prime-wrecking-ball Tyson at the height of his powers.
‘The Bronze Bomber’ gave an unequivocal and honest answer before Lewis and Tyson then both questioned Wilder being so confident he’d prevail.
Ahead of his latest defense against Luis Ortiz, Wilder believes Lewis and Tyson have their own agenda when it comes to keeping themselves consistently mentioned with the best ever top division punchers.
“Instead of hating on these guys coming for the top or worry about their legacy getting run over for what they did in their era, that era is gone! This is the new era over here!” Wilder told CBS Sports.
“They should be praising the new guys like the other countries, where every other former champion is behind their people.
“But in America, it’s different. Nobody wants to see nobody become bigger than the one before them. Nobody’s legacy is going to be passed.
“Those guys are subject to their own opinion. I don’t get upset when guys come and clap back and say certain things.
“I don’t get upset when Lennox Lewis want to defend one of his era brothers. Although Lennox fought Tyson way past his prime, I don’t find offense for that and it doesn’t bother me,” he added.
Lewis and Tyson were both recognised as undisputed champions in their day, whilst Wilder is hoping to do likewise by facing the winner of Anthony Joshua v Joseph Parker later this year.
“I’m on a mission. There will be one champion, one face and one name. Deontay Wilder,” proclaimed the WBC ruler.
