By Gabriel Princewill-
Deontey Wilder deserves to be the most respected heavyweight boxer in the division for more reasons than one.
The Alabama heavy puncher appears to take on all comers and has never shied away from tough opposition since becoming world champion In 2015. Although he was brought along relatively carefully for his first 30 fights, Wilder dominated the division being at the low end of the weight spectrum at 15 stones 3 Ibs.
Indeed, size is not everything, but in a division where extra power automatically accompanies weight to some degree and can also take its physical toll on an opponent, it is remarkable how the American has overcome much bigger opponents time and time again in his career, knocking most out.
His speed and athleticism is incredible, but critics have pointed to his porous defence as an alarming weakness in his arsenal.
When Wilder nearly got stopped by capable Cuban heavyweight, Luis Ortiz in the seventh round of their first fight, it confirmed the serious danger the former Olympian who was then unbeaten in 37 fights, posed against Wilder.
CONFIDENCE
The decision to fight him again n September is a reflection of Wilder’supreme confidence and readiness to keep testing himself. Ortiz, even at 41, poses a legitimate threat to Wilder and most heavyweights today.
FAVOURITE
Wilder, though the favourite to repeat his conquest against Ortiz, faces the real risk of defeat to a well prepared and determined Ortiz, who is very resilient and far from a push over. The WBC heavyweight king has put on an extra stone of muscle since his draw with Tyson Fury in December 2018, and displayed awesome power in the way he blitz Dominic Breazeale last May.
The fact Wilder gave away over 3 stone to a good mover and physically strong boxer like Tyson Fury, yet flawed the gypsy king twice is testament to his intrinsic capabilities. Yet, due credit to the American knock out artist was easily overlooked because the public was impressed with Fury’s performance who seemed to be marginally in control for most of the fight bar the two knock downs.
PRAISE
Underlying the well deserved praise for Fury was the fact the unbeaten Brit had just returned from a two and half year hiatus from the ring owing to a battle with mental health problems and drugs. Many wrote him off, but he defied expectations, coming close to pulling off a controversial win on points until Wilder’s freakish power put all 6ft 9 inches of Fury on the canvas. A remarkable recovery kept Fury in the fight, and has kept his mouth still running fast today.
Wilder’s trainer, Jay Deas, disputes the verdict from those who believe his man ought to have lost that fight. ”Wilder was pushing the fight, and his punches were harder, Deas told The Eye Of Media.Com. ‘I actually thought he won that fight”.
Meanwhile, Wilder, who hates the controversy surrounding that fight is eager to decisively conclude the contest in their rematch earmarked for early 2020. Wilder is generally perceived to have been pushing more for a fight with former undisputed heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, before he was roundly defeated by new champ Andy Ruiz Jnr.
If he sails through Ortiz on September 28, the build up to Wilder- Fury II will be much bigger than the first and he will be risking his title again to Fury who will be much better prepared this time, but who would ahve faced less stern opposition than Wilder in preparation for the return fight.