Former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder has made controversial allegations about his trilogy with Tyson Fury, claiming that corruption and racial bias cost him victory in their first encounter.
Speaking on the Mr. Versace podcast alongside Derek Chisora, Wilder declared that Fury “is the biggest che ater in boxing history” and suggested the referee’s actions were influenced by white supremacy.
The Bronze Bomber pulled no punches when discussing the December 2018 bout that ended in a controversial split draw. Wilder specifically criticized referee Jack Reiss for giving Fury an extended count after knocking him down in the 12th round.
“That first match, the referee, that’s white supremacy,” Wilder stated. “You know what he said? He did what he thought was best for boxing. No, your job is to count his a*s out. That’s what you supposed to do. He gave him an extra 15 count.”
Wilder went further, challenging Fury to legal action if his claims are untrue. “If I’m lying, then please tell him to sue me for defamation of character so I can have the proof,” he said.
The Alabama native referenced an upcoming documentary where he plans to present evidence supporting his allegations. “When I do my documentary and my movie about it, it’s going to be presented. I’m going to bring the peoples and the artifacts and everything I know.”
The 40-year-old acknowledged Fury’s victories in their second and third encounters but maintained he was robbed in the first meeting.
Additionally, Wilder had claimed that the allegations are the reason Tyson Fury is effectively prohibited from entering or competing in the United States. He said: “Why you think he can’t come back to America now? The man che ated.”
According to sources, Fury faced difficulties entering the U.S. In 2022, Tyson’s brother Tommy Fury confirmed the situation during an appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani.
He said: “Me and Tyson just can’t get into America at the minute and that’s the way it is.”
However, reports have suggested that Fury’s problems with U.S. access may have little to do with Wilder’s allegations, and more to do with scrutiny surrounding alleged links to boxing adviser Daniel Kinahan.
Kinahan was named in court in 2022 as a senior figure in Irish criminal activity, and the United States later imposed financial sanctions on him.
Kinahan previously served as an adviser to Fury, and MTK Global, a management company he co-founded. He handled Fury’s career between 2017 and 2020.
Fury has repeatedly denied any ongoing connection, insisting he cut ties years ago. “That was from 2017–20… done. End of. I have nothing to hide,” Fury said in response to the controversy.
During the podcast conversation, Wilder also addressed perceptions about race in boxing, suggesting that being a Black man with dark skin makes it harder for him to be believed over a white opponent. “Being a black man with dark skin is harder to believe me than to believe a white man,” he explained.
These comments come as Wilder prepares to face Chisora on April 4th at the O2 Arena in London.
