Sunday 5 November 2017 07:08, UK
Deontay Wilder faces Bermane Stiverne in a world title rematch in New York, live on Sky Sports, as he looks to set up potential clashes with Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte.
Wilder, 32, seems to be on the verge of a unification showdown with Britain's Anthony Joshua, but first 'The Bronze Bomber' has to get past old foe and mandatory challenger Stiverne, the only man to ever take the WBC world champion the distance.
The unbeaten Alabama knockout artist makes his sixth defence of the coveted green and gold belt and Wilder is intent on making a statement, "vowing to end the career of Stiverne," and then the towering American is ready to roll the dice.
Wilder showed that he could box in that first beat-down of Stiverne, but many still perceive the American to just be a one-dimensional power puncher. His regular highlight reel knockouts since claiming the title have done nothing to alter that perception. Dillian Whyte wants a shot, Anthony Joshua is ready for a mega unification, but for now, Wilder has to get past a dangerous Haitian intent on revenge.
I am the best. I am the baddest. I hit the hardest. I am the most feared. This will be an electrifying fight. That belt isn't going anywhere. Stiverne was the only man to survive the 'Alabama Slammer'. When I knock him out, then nobody will be able to say they made it through against me.
He has been trying to duck me. He's been giving a lot of excuses about my career. He knows what time it is. He already gave me his best. I had nothing last fight. But now I'm a very dangerous man. Everyone here knows what time it is.
Get through this and AJ-Wilder is huge. The first one who connects is going to sleep, there is no doubt about that. Boxing fans love to see drama and they love to see knockouts. They are guaranteed a knockout if Joshua faces Wilder.
I think it'll be another points win for Wilder, I can’t see Stiverne, who is a very nice boxer with a good style, getting the win. The fight with 'AJ' is a massive one for the WBC champion down the line.
Stiverne has only fought once since the first fight and he got dropped by a journeyman kind of opponent. Wilder has got a little better since then, he’s still wild as hell, but I think he has definitely improved somewhat. If he doesn’t get the stoppage in this fight, then I’m definitely going to say something about Deontay.
Deontay Wilder: 15st 10lb
Bermane Stiverne: 18st 3lb
Watch Deontay Wilder defend his WBC world heavyweight title against Bermane Stiverne, live on Sky Sports, in the early hours of Sunday morning at 1am. Before that, Dmitry Bivol, Jamie McDonnell, Dereck Chisora and Scott Quigg box in Monte Carlo, live on Sky Sports from 7pm this Saturday.
