Deontay Wilder’s Trainer Claims Fighter Declined ‘Step Aside’ Money

If Deontay Wilder’s trainer is to be believed, then “The Bronze Bomber” has declined step aside money.

Wilder has won arbitration and he is owed a trilogy bout with WBC and The Ring Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury by September 15. This has seemingly derailed plans for Wilder vs. Anthony Joshua, which was penciled in for August 14.

Malik Scott, Wilder’s new trainer, took to social media to reveal that Wilder isn’t interested in step aside money.

“Wilder declined and had no interest in step aside money. Y’all dealing with a whole different type [expletive] over here. He want the blood, not that step aside money. Retribution is upon us.”

Before Scott’s claim, Queensberry Promotions’ Frank Warren had discussed with BBC Radio his hope that Wilder’s step aside money would be under $20 million (via BoxingScene).

“It will cost quite a bit of money. Until we reach an accommodation with Wilder’s people I can’t say the fight will definitely happen. But we are working hard to get that over the line. We were talking last night. If we can’t get it done Tyson will go to the fight with Wilder.

“They are the only two options. The arbitrator says that Tyson has a contractual commitment and he has to fulfill that. He is tied up legally. I expect common sense will prevail so we are going to try and make the fight between AJ and Tyson. That is the fight everyone wants to see.

“We are going to do our best to get it over the line. That is what everyone has been working towards for a long time now. There is a cutoff point when a decision has to be made and which direction Tyson goes in. I hope Deontay will accept less than $20 million.”