AMERICAN HOPES REST ON DEONTAY WILDER
Wilder-Stiverne-King
New York– This weekend could produce the first American born heavyweight (200 lbs+) titlehoder since Shannon Briggs, who briefly held the WBO strap in 2007. Since then all heavyweight titleholders have originated outside of US borders. But this could change with America’s Deontay Wilder (32-0, 32KOs) facing off against the current WBC champion Bermaine Stiverne (24-1-1, 21 KOs) of Canada and Haiti.
DON KING FIGHTER HAS “EXPERIENCE” EDGE
Both Wilder and Stiverne are solid fighters with similar resumes, although Stiverne who is promoted by Don King has the biggest single name on his resume in Chris Arreola (35-4, 31 KOs). Arreola, a strong contender was on a quest to become the first heavyweight champion of Mexican descent but was thhwarted inside the distance by Stiverne who made history himself becoming the first heavyweight champ of Hatian descent. This victory was further solidified when Stiverne repeated the act by defeating Arreola in the rematch via stoppage. Arreola claimed that a broken nose caused him to drop an initial decision loss to Stiverne, but Arreola was clearly outclassed the second time around.
WILDER FIGHTS DON’T LAST TOO LONG!
At 6’7, Deontay Wilder is among the tallest of the current Heavyweight challengers. His win and KO percentage is perfect, as he has won all of his fights by stoppage. Another telling stat is the fact that none of his bouts have gone past four rounds. On paper, he’s a monster and seems primed to offer a real challenge to linear champ Wladimir Klitschko, the man who holds all of the remaining major heavyweight titles. But he will only get a shot at unifying these titles if he can get past Stiverne, who should offer Wilder his toughest challenge.
CAN YANKEE IMPOSE SIZE & WILL?
This is a tough one to call. Will Wilder be able to impose his incredible punching power on a high quality opponent? Or will Stiverne expose Wilder as an athletic but crude puncher who’s skills fall short of greatness? Has Wilder been fed bums to boost up his undefeated record? Is Stivernes victory over Arreola an indicator of his talent, or was Arreola basically shot by the time Stiverne met him in the ring?
HAITI’S STIVERNE “SLIGHT” BETTING FAVORITE
If I go with my heart, I’d enjoy seeing a new American heavyweight who would usher in a new era in the division. But logically, there is a strong case that Stiverne is more skilled and deserving of the WBC strap. I give a slight edge to Stiverne as Wilder is less skilled and unproven, but would not be surprised by any outcome. Ultimately all questions should be answered on Saturday and either way, it will be an entertaining fight.
Jarrad Woods