Retired heavyweight Richard Towers has been used as a sparring partner by a who's who in the heavyweight division in the last few years.

In a recent interview, Towers explained that WBC world champion Deontay Wilder is a much bigger puncher than any other heavyweight in recent years.

Towers, who stood at 6ft 8in, says Wilder was a much bigger puncher than Anthony Joshua, Wladimir Klitschko, Vitali Klitschko and Tyson Fury.

Wilder is currently heading to a world title defense against Fury, who is still the lineal champion with his 2015 decision win over Wladimir Klitschko.

After sparring both, Towers indicates that Wilder holds a very sizable advantage in punching power.

“I’ve sparred with every heavyweight you could think of, except Joseph Parker. And I know when it comes to power, Deontay Wilder is in a league of his own," Towers said to The Sun.

“Put it this way: He hits FOUR times harder than Vitali Klitschko, he hits FIVE times harder than Wladimir Klitschko, he hits SIX times harder than Anthony Joshua, and he hits EIGHT times harder than Tyson Fury.”

Towers believes Fury is taking way too big of a risk right now in facing Wilder.

Fury has been off for over two years, before returning to the ring in June, and then coming back last month with a decision win over Fracensco Pianeta. 

“We sparred on and off for two years and he was great, but I have to be honest: this is the wrong fight to take right now. It really is. Tyson has just come back on the scene and, although he is a grafter, this isn’t the ideal time for him to fight Wilder. He is moving OK against easy opposition, but he has got a big body and a big head to move out of the way for 12 rounds against Wilder. That’s no easy task," concluded Towers.