On Saturday night in his home state of Alabama, the WBC Heavyweight Champion of the world Deontay Wilder will make the first defense of his title against fellow American Eric Molina at the Bartow Arena in Birmingham.
In his previous outing, Wilder became the first American heavyweight to win a world championship since 2006, by beating Bermane Stiverne in a unanimous point’s victory, taking his record to 33-0. Renowned as a knock out specialist (his previous 32 wins all coming by way of KO), the cultured manner in which Wilder overcame Stiverne, mixing up power punches and purist boxing skills, went some way to underlining his credentials as a man that could perhaps topple the seemingly peerless IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight king Wladimir Klitschko.
At the media workout on Wednesday, Wilder pointed out his enjoyment to the build up of the fight and was looking to make history, with the fight being first title bout taking place in the state of Alabama.
He told the media, “This week has been fun. It’s been exciting. Even to see the people and faces. I’m looking forward to Saturday. It’s always the hard part when you have to wait. Especially when you’ve been training hard and it’s real intense. Everything has been great so far, and I’m glad it’s finally here. I’m looking forward to making history being that this is the first title fight in the state of Alabama. And I’m gonna put my name on it first.
“Training camp has been just like any other camp. When I’m at camp, I’m always giving my all, 110 percent. Because when it’s time to go battle, I gotta give 110 percent. I have to perform better than I did the last time. But this is what I do. I love it and enjoy every moment it.
“Molina’s height is something to watch out for. Everybody likes two tall guys in the ring. I’m definitely going to find out if his bark is as big as his bite. Right now his bark is loud. But we’ll see if his bite is as loud as his bark.
“I don’t watch video or study my opponents because the way you may see them fight someone else is not the same way that they’re going to fight you. I let my people do that and break them down. I trust in believe in them, and I like the challenge as well. That’s another reason I don’t look at film. We’ll find out what he’s about on Saturday.”
His next opponent Eric Molina, is 33 years of age and has a record of 23 wins (17 by KO) with 2 losses (both by KO). Going into the bout there is no question that Wilder is the heavy favorite. Physical statics alone indicate that at 6’ 4’ Molina is three inches shorter than his opponent and also has a four inch reach disadvantage. Documents filed with the Alabama Athletic Commission outlining the respective purses the fighters will receive on the night also outlines the disparity of the where both men stand in the heavyweight food chain; Molina will reportedly receive $250,000, with Wilder set to bank $1,400,000.
Molina is however coming off the back of five straight victories, and has embraced his tag as underdog. At the prefight public workout, he could be seen sporting a T-Shirt that read “Never been undefeated, always been the underdog,” Molina who holds a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from the University of Texas in Brownsville, is a full-time high school teacher working with students battling disabilities. However, Molina who suffered defeat in his first professional fight in 2007 and was knocked out by Chris Arreola in the first round back 2012, has much grander plans than the popular opinion may suggest stating: ‘I’m glad to be part of history in Alabama, I’m trying to make history of my own for my people. I plan on being the first Mexican-American world champion. That’s what I’m here to do.’
Accepting his role as the underdog, Molina is ready to upset the odds. Speaking to the media, Molina stated, “Deontay is a very strong fighter,a big puncher and a big presence. But just as many strengths as he has, he also has weaknesses. We’re just trying to key in on those weaknesses.
“I know this is a big fight for Alabama. I respect that and it’s an honor, but I’m also trying to make history. I plan on being the first Mexican-American Heavyweight World Champion.
“My mental focus is on the heavyweight world title. When you expect to fight for the world title, you have to come into someone’s backyard and do what you have to put up with pressure. I can handle pressure.
“I’ve accepted my role as the underdog. The whole world has written me off. I’ve embraced the role. I’m used to motivating myself. I’ve never been stronger, more focused. I’ve never been more physically, mentally, spiritually strong. I’m ready to go. I’m ready to fight.
“This is two big guys in the ring, and I can punch just like he can punch. It’s going to be a very exciting fight.”
Despite the fighting talk from his opponent, for many the contest represents a showcase homecoming event for the new champion. An opportunity to display the knockout power that has made him such an exciting player in the division. Wilder is certainly a charismatic individual, his natural flamboyance combined with the ease with which he interacts with the media, have helped to capitalize on the 29 years new found status. Certainly sterner tests await Wilder in the future, the likes of Tyson Fury, Klitschko and let’s not forget the up and coming phenomena that is Anthony Joshua. However next in line is Eric Molina, and the world will be watching to see if the newest heavyweight champion of the world will continue his upward trajectory and lead the way in what can only be seen as a long awaited and much needed renaissance in the heavyweight division.
- Matthew Lynch / @Matthew_Lynch_
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