Tyson Fury talks about Deontay Wilder’s impact on heavyweight boxing in the U.S. and how a loss would hurt the country

Tyson Fury is set to challenge WBC world heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder for the title on Dec. 1 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Fury believes that a victory over Wilder will do more than just dethrone the U.S. of it’s current world heavyweight champion.

“Deontay Wilder is heavyweight boxing in the (United) States,” said Fury. “Without Deontay Wilder there is no heavyweight boxing in the United States of America, it’s gone. And after I beat Deontay there will be no more heavyweight boxing in this country, finished. Especially no more pay-per view fights.”

Wilder became the first American heavyweight champion in 8 years when he defeated Bermane Stiverne for the title in 2015 by unanimous decision. He has defended the title seven times since then, all by way of knockout. Before this the last American to hold a heavyweight title was Shannon Briggs in 2007.

“Better make the best of this and enjoy it,” said Fury. “Because there’s not going to be another American world heavyweight champion for a long time. But it’ll be great for Tyson Fury on Showtime! So you better look forward to that.”