Deontay Wilder

You have to, as an individual, know how to tune that stage of your life that's in the past out.

Boxing is my true calling. I've found my purpose in life.

I could put everything I got in the bank on my abilities and skill and will, and what I'm capable of doing in the ring.

I'm looking forward to the fighting with no headgear - I'm jealous. I kind of want to go back to the Olympics to experience no headgear.

No matter how many fights I got into, I was always the victor. I didn't like it, though. I remember being 12 years old, and I looked in the sky, and I said, 'God, I don't want to fight no more. I'm tired of fighting. I know what I want to do in my life, and fighting's not going to get me there.'

This is no game. You get up in there, and you take some punches. You risk your life, and then let me see you talk then. That's why I don't respect people who criticize fighters.

My dream was to play for Alabama - football, basketball.

I'm one of the baddest, hardest-hitting heavyweights in the business. Right here from Alabama, baby.

Some guys may play around and say a couple of things, but if I say it, I mean it. I may laugh, it may be funny, but if I say I'm going to get you, I'm going to get you.

When I structured my career, I looked at Muhammad Ali, which is my all-time favorite and an idol of mine, and what he has done for this sport. He was a real-life hero.

There comes a time when you have to put forth the action and actually see whether you're really just talking to promote yourself, just to sell yourself, or to build your confidence or build confidence around you... or are you the real deal?

All my prayers go out to Tyson Fury. I know it's difficult to be in his situation.