Bermane Stiverne vs Deontay Wilder fight preview
On the evening of January 17th in Las Vegas, Nevada, the WBC world heavyweight title will be contested by Bermane Stiverne and Deontay Wilder.
The MGM Grand will play host to the spectacle, which will include a super bantamweight title encounter between Leo Santa Cruz and Jesus Ruiz, on the 73rd birthday of the greatest heavyweight fighter of all time, Muhammad Ali.
For Wilder, who is widely renowned as the most fierce puncher in the sport thanks to his 32 consecutive knockout victories within four rounds, the bout will be a massive step up in competition. The 29 year old Tuscaloosa, Alabama native has feasted upon a variety of journeymen and faded contenders, albeit impressively, since turning over to the paid ranks in 2008.
Despite never having boxed at the elite level, ‘The Bronze Bomber’ (320, 32KO’s) is ready and raring to go.
“I’m super excited about fighting on the big stage. The bigger the better! The more attention and people watching, the more I like it. We’ve been working towards this for a long time, and I am glad we have gotten to this level.”
The heavyweight division has become a stale and forgettable scene during the last decade, but the outspoken, hard hitting Wilder believes he is the man to resuscitate what was once the most important championship in sport.
“It’s time for the heavyweight division to be important again and I’m the guy to do it, so I can’t wait.” The confident American exclaimed.
Stiverne (241, 21KO’s), though, is a competent and worthy champion, who claimed the famous green and gold belt last year with a stunning stoppage triumph over Chris Arreola. And the Don King promoted puncher will be in no rush to relinquish his position as a world titleholder.
The Haitiborn Las Vegas resident is excited about the opportunity to showcase his skills at the popular MGM Grand and he is keen to write his name into the history books by retaining his title.
“Fighting at the MGM Grand is a dream come true. I have been dreaming of becoming a champion my whole life. When I think of the MGM I think of all the history and I want to write a new chapter.” Stiverne said.
There is no love lost between the two combatants, who have exchanged jibes in the build up to fight night, and Stiverne has gone as far describing the precocious challenger as a clown.
“I think Wilder is a clown. Wilder thinks this is the WWE. He acts like it’s the WWE. This is for real. It is going to hurt very bad.”
Regardless of Stivernes plans to “hurt” and “knock out” Wilder, he would be naive to underestimate the massive 2008 Olympic bronze medallist.
Wilder stands four inches taller than his counterpart and he holds a three inch reach advantage. Also, Stiverne has already suffered a knockout defeat at the hands of journeyman, Demetrice King.
If the American lands cleanly with his right paw early on in the fight, it’s likely that we will see the coronation of a new heavyweight ruler.
Nevertheless, Stiverne is a dangerous and accurate puncher with skills and composure. Wilder mustn’t rush in with little regard for defence, because Stiverne is capable of punishing and crushing him with counters.
– Stevie Adams Jr. / @StevieAdamsJr
– Contributor to www.BehindtheGloves.com
Leave a Reply