Heavyweight contender Dillian Whyte believes WBC world champion Deontay Wilder is putting on tough-guy act for the cameras.
Whyte is not convinced that Wilder is the intimidating character that he makes himself out to be.
Whyte will return to the ring on December 7th, against Mariusz Wach, in Saudi Arabia. The fight will be part of the undercard to the world title rematch between Andy Ruiz and Anthony Joshua.
Whyte captured the WBC's interim title back in July with a twelve round decision win over Oscar Rivas.
Because of an adverse finding in a June drug test, administered by UKAD [UK-Anti Doping], the WBC has suspended Whyte's mandatory status until UKAD issues their final decision on the matter.
Even with a favorable ruling, the WBC has allowed Tyson Fury to overstep Whyte in the mandatory hunt. According to the WBC, Fury will get his crack when he faces Wilder in February - and Whyte will have to wait until at least February 2021 to pursue a mandatory shot.
Mandatory or not, Whyte does not believe Wilder wants to face him.
"I just believe there's something in me that he's seen, that I know, that's a problem for him," said Whyte to Sky Sports.
"Whether it's the body punches, or it's the tenacity, or it's just the sheer aggression that I will bring. I'm not scared of him. I won't be there laughing and doing all this 'Bomb Squad' stuff. He's just a tall basketball player from Alabama who used to work in McDonald's. He's not this street kid and this bad boy, he's none of that. That's just fake.
"What grown man goes around screaming when I shout 'Bomb Squad' I turn into my alter ego and someone else, that's nonsense."
For the moment, Whyte is fully focused on the massive Wach, who is slow but dangerous and has a lot of experience.
"He's a very tough guy, very experienced. He's game and knows what this opportunity means, beating me, so I'm expecting a tough, strong Mariusz Wach, but obviously this is my time now," Whyte said.
"Crack another skull and get closer to fighting for a world title. This is very important, a good learning fight for me. He's a very credible guy, he's fought top contenders, so what more can I ask for? You know me, I come with maximum violence. I come to put work in. Nothing is different or has changed. I'm going to try and bring as much pain as I can."
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