Deontay Wilder insisted he “loves” being a free agent, hence why he is reportedly set to reject a $100m+ deal from US broadcaster, DAZN.
The news came as a blow to fans hoping for a guaranteed undisputed title bout with Anthony Joshua, because it was claimed an agreement would have ensured that fight takes place in 2019.
Last week, fans were given what turned out to be false hope as it emerged that Wilder would be meeting with the streaming service, who also broadcast AJ in America.
It was reported that the WBC heavyweight champion was offered upwards of $100million for three fights against Dominic Breazeale, Joshua and then AJ again in a rematch.
However it’s now understood his team will reject the offer and, when asked about this, the American explained why.
“So many people try to dictate my career and tell me, ‘I should do this, I should do that, I shouldn’t do this, I shouldn’t do that’,” Wilder said.
“$12.5m is laughable now, $15m is laughable. All this stuff I was supposed to have done, I didn’t do none of that and now look at my career.
“I’m betting on myself and you can’t go wrong with yourself.
“I love being a free agent, I love being able to move about doing what I do and we’ll see what the future holds.”
Wilder was set to announce his next fight, which would be against Breazeale regardless – on Tuesday.
Speculation suggested it would be broadcast on Showtime pay-per-view in America, as was his previous bout against Tyson Fury.