Deontay Wilder says all the top fighters are on drugs

American professional boxer Deontay Wilder has leveled a shocking charge against the present condition of performance-enhancing drug use in boxing.

Currently, doping in the sport is under close scrutiny, largely as a result of the fallout from Conor Benn's two failed tests last year before his fight with Chris Eubank Jr.

In response to an inquiry on steroids from ESNews, Wilder acknowledged that he thinks the sport's elite boxers use them.

He said,  “For me, all the guys in the top ten and up – excluding me – are doing something. That’s how I feel.

“I don’t need to, because of the simple fact that I have what everybody wants. I believe, and I have the power.”

Although Wilder's claims might be exaggerated, his argument might still have some validity given the long list of elite fighters who have tested positive over the years.

The heavyweight division received an explosive statement from "The Bronze Bomber" in October when he defeated comeback opponent Robert Helenius in less than a round. Since then, he hasn't competed.

Wilder had been scheduled to compete against Andy Ruiz Jr. in the last eliminator for Tyson Fury's WBC world championship.

After talks for the Ruiz bout went quiet, rumblings emerged that Wilder may have a more lucrative fight in the works.

Skills Challenge Group plan to stage Wilder vs Joshua and Fury vs Usyk on the same card this December, in what would be an unprecedented night for the sport, should it materialize.

The card in the Middle East would almost certainly be the richest in the history of prizefighting, with figures of around £300 million being touted for total cumulative purses.