Long before “The Bronze Bomber” Deontay Wilder (36-0, 35 KO’s) fought for his world title he faced a big double standard in boxing. He was highly touted as the possible next great American heavyweight boxer but he also faced criticism because many boxing fans and some members of the media felt that he was unproven due to the lack of quality opponents that he had faced. When he finally stepped up the level of competition and fought for his first (and only) world title against Bermane Stiverne he silenced a majority of his doubters and proved himself a legitimate champion.
Since beating Stiverne, Wilder has gone on to fight three separate occasions and win each of those fights. So what is next for Wilder? There are quite a few names out there that boxing fans would love to see him step into the ring with and he’s going to step in the ring and take on his mandatory defense against Russia’s Alexander Povetkin (30-1, 22 KO’s) which is a fight that will please many boxing fans.
Povetkin once had the opportunity to be a world champion in 2013 when he took on Wladimir Klitschko in Russia but ended up losing a unanimous decision. Since the loss, Povetkin has come back and beaten some of the heavyweight divisions more recognizable names including Mike Perez.
There was a time that it seems like the fight would not be made. According to boxingscene.com, Povetkin’s promoter, Andrei Ryabinsky stated that there was too much going on that would put the future of the potential fight in jeopardy and decided that a purse bid would be the best way of assuring that the fight takes place.
“I had several options – cut the money or to create a comfortable environment for Alexander,” – Ryabinsky said. “Of course, I’ve decided to chose the latter. The fight will be in Russia. We will be very happy to have Deontay Wilder and his team as our guests. I do not know who will win in this battle – Alexander or Deontay Wilder. But I want to be calm, I’ve done everything I could on my end – and now it all depends on Alexander.”
