Stiverne-Wilder for the WBC Heavy Title. Who Takes It?

WBC champ Bermaine Stiverne & No 1 challenger & KO artist Deontay Wilder clash this weekend in Las Vegas.

Neither are particularly tested at the top level, with pretty much Stiverne's top level fight other than Lumbering Nipple Cris Arreola was a bit of a struggle against Ray Austin, who was about 96 at the time. Wilder on the other hand is crude and untested with massive power but there is a question mark over his chin as he's been all over queer street in some early videos when he's actually been hit. Wilder has height and speed, and Stiverne is tough, solid and is more experienced. It is an intriguing match up. Stiverne's 36, Wilder is 29 and a potentially very exciting fighter, but could turn into the US version of David Price.

At the moment Wilder is the betting favourite; however, I have this nagging doubt about what Wilder would do when tagged with a half decent shot. I think this fight has excitement written or over it. I doubt very much that it will go 12. Wilder seems to only know one way to fight and that is to bulldoze his opponent from the get-go and wing fast hard punches from all angles to get them out of there. Most of his opponents have been overwhelmed by power and speed, but he hasn't faced anyone who has obviously come to fight. I see Stiverne going down under an early onslaught but getting up to weather the storm. He'll make Wilder miss and take him out by round 5. Which, in all likelihood, means a 1st KO for Wilder.

I really really really want Wilder to win, he would add some much needed excitement to the division.

What I think will happen is Stiverne will stop Wilder in the middle of the fight. However I wouldn't totally rule out Wilder landing a few bombs and sparking him cold :O

First heavyweight fight I have been genuinely excited about in a very long time

I'm surprised that Wilder is the betting favourite. There are real question marks surrounding his ability to hold a shot (his management removed footage of him being wobbled by a journeyman from YouTube).

Conventional wisdom would suggest that Stiverne weathers the early rounds and then stops Wilder in the mid-to-late rounds.

Pulling for Wilder, though. Stiverne abused Waye McCullough and his wife at a recent MMA event and then accused the McCullough's of racism afterwards. Hope Deontay smokes his boots.

Have to say both are fairly unsavory characters.  Wilder beating up his missus and then giving the mentally unstable Charlie Z a few digs didn't make me warm to him.

It's a hard fight to call but it's more of a step up for padded record Wilder.  Still I can see Wilder bombing in using his windmill punching style and scoring an early KO.


I'd enjoy seeing Wlad pulling the wings off Wilder.

Strongback wrote:Have to say both are fairly unsavory characters.  Wilder beating up his missus and then giving the mentally unstable Charlie Z a few digs didn't make me warm to him.

It's a hard fight to call but it's more of a step up for padded record Wilder.  Still I can see Wilder bombing in using his windmill punching style and scoring an early KO.


I'd enjoy seeing Wlad pulling the wings off Wilder.

Which he likely would. But he'd likely soil himself on the way to the ring in any case.

hazharrison wrote:

Strongback wrote:Have to say both are fairly unsavory characters.  Wilder beating up his missus and then giving the mentally unstable Charlie Z a few digs didn't make me warm to him.

It's a hard fight to call but it's more of a step up for padded record Wilder.  Still I can see Wilder bombing in using his windmill punching style and scoring an early KO.


I'd enjoy seeing Wlad pulling the wings off Wilder.

Which he likely would. But he'd likely soil himself on the way to the ring in any case.

I think Stiverne will take it reasonably early by KO! The thing is Wilder is so untested against anyone even remotely decent i have no idea how it will pan out. His shots are so telegraphed surely Stiverne will see them coming a mile off and take him out, Stiverne's shots are compact and very powerful, he also took punches from Arreola without any problem so i think he takes this.

Big step up for Wilder, as someone has already pointed out he's the betting favourite. One thing I think is almost guaranteed is that they'll be a TKO/KO. I personally reckon it comes early, so will provide a very useful nugget of information to help you all recover from the christmas spending bonanza:

Stiverne wins in rounds 1-4: 4/1
Wilder wins in rounds 1-4: 2/1

So......

Put £50 on Stiverne at the above odds: Returns £250.00 (including original stake)
Put £50 on Wilder at the above odds: £150.00

Total stake: £100 - guaranteed £50 or £150 depending on the outcome. I say guaranteed, it has to end inside 4 rounds!

Being hard to call is what makes this fight interesting.

Can't stand Stiverne after his disgusting McCullogh BS. Would love to see him laid out because of that.

And if 'Charlie Z' is who I think, then I've no issues with Wilder giving the annoying little pr!ck a slap.

All about the first few rounds, does Stiv look like he can weather the early storm? If so I'd back him to win in the mid to late rounds. If not then Wilder finishes early. Suspect Wilder might have Haye-type stamina issues so will struggle the more the fight goes on, especially if he tries to blow Stiv out early.

It would be a nice arbitrage coxy... Were it not for the last sentence. All you guarantee if you follow your advice is a 5 th round ko.

If it was in the uk with Howard foster reffing, the odds look good.

Its a tricky one to call. Stiverne's been stopped before (though it was soft) and struggled with austin, but looked good against arreola. Wilder's just rolled over a bunch Of stiffs... But roll them over he did. Stiverne is hittable so I expect him to get chin checked, if he survive's that, you'd lean towards him taking over after a few rounds. Interesting fight.

I'm with Toppy regarding the Charlie Z incident, had he just attacked a Wilder I doubt anything would have happened but the stuff he said regarding his daughter was disgusting, and Wilder did what any other father would do.

Yup Milky, very interesting fight. Am actually pretty excited about it to be honest. Not often you say that about a HW fight. Only downside is I'm still refusing to subscribe to boxnation so going to be tip-toing in to the spare room in the early hours to find a completely legal way of watching it

And yes, put your house on a 5th round KO

And if 'Charlie Z' is who I think

Neo-nazi?
Father Christmas?
A member of IS?

Coxy001 wrote:

And if 'Charlie Z' is who I think

Neo-nazi?
Father Christmas?
A member of IS?

He's some Twitterati twonk basically. Full of Poopie bell-end who's such a tool his defendents claim he's mental.

Yea i put 10 on Stiverne in 1-3 at 6/1 and the same money on the same odds during rounds 4-6. The only thing i don't like about Stiverne, he is quite a slow starter and Wilder usually just comes out throwing. It's a tossup really!

Anybody have any idea on the ring walk time for this one? Thinking of waking/staying up to watch it !

First time in years we have a competitive match for a World heavy belt..........

Goes to show the sooner Wlad slings it ...the better.

Excite about this one. The general assumption is a mid to late stoppage for Stiverne or an early stoppage for Wilder.

I think we will be looking at that.....but it will be explosive and exciting whilst it lasts.

None seem technically gifted in terms of boxing ability but both have their respective skillsets in power....stiverne holds the slight edge I'm experience and the better resume....looked good in the 2nd Arreola fight.

If I had to bet?

I'd go Bronze Bomber in 3....but dropped on the way.

Wonder if the realization that he is in a meaningful fight for the first time in 33 bouts will hit Wilder at any stage.

Is this on TV over here?

No worries, just checked. Flipping box nation!

Do you have boxnation dipper

I do not, sadly. Spend a fortune on sky and it means that it's a choice between me having box nation or the missus keeping up with the Kardashians. And that is an argument I'm unlikely to win.

Wilder is a lanky string of p!ss and Fury will dispatch of this clown with ease

Still would want either of them near the HW title.

How the media sees "RETURN TO GLORY: STIVERNE VERSUS WILDER:"

Tim Dahlberg, Associated Press, (Wilder): "Wilder has been fed opponents to be knocked out since he turned pro. But there's no denying he can punch, and all he needs to do is land a few well-placed shots. I like Stiverne but believe Wilder will land those shots at some point. Wilder wins by a fourth-round TKO that could add a jolt of excitement to the heavyweight division.''

Kevin Iole, Yahoo, (Stiverne): "I think Stiverne is a better boxer, faced better opposition and will be used to the pressure of fighting for the heavyweight title. He wins by TKO 10."

Bill Dwyre, Los Angeles Times, (Stiverne): "Stiverne in an eighth-round TKO. Because he has been there more often in the tough ones.''

Bob Velin, USA Today, (Wilder): "Wilder's defense has improved, and he has more punching power than Stiverne. I think he's going to catch Stiverne with a hard right hand that will put the champion down and out in the sixth round.''

Gordon Marino, Wall Street Journal, (Wilder): "I am picking Wilder by a knockout before round six. The Bronze Bomber boasts extraordinary power. When he hits you, you go. And Stiverne is not difficult to tag.''

Robert Morales, Los Angeles Daily News, (Wilder): "I'm going with Wilder by TKO in the second half of the fight. Wilder may not have a bunch of stars on his ring record, but the feeling here is that he is a legitimate knockout artist and Stiverne will be his next victim.''

Lyle Fitzsimmons, CBS Sports, (Stiverne) - "It's a great matchup and I'm as excited by the prospect of it as I've been about a fight in a long time. That said, I'm not sure it'll be a particularly competitive one when jab comes to hook. I'd love to see Wilder become the next star of the heavyweights, but I simply haven't seen enough so far to be convinced he'll beat a guy as good as Stiverne has proven to be. Give me Bermane in the mid-rounds, by TKO 7."

Ron Borges, Boston Herald, (Stiverne): "Wilder is 32-0 with 32 KOs. I don't care who he's been in with, that means he can punch. But can he fight if his opponent fights back? That is the unanswered question when it comes to untested heavyweights and so it is with Wilder.
Stiverne has not exactly been in with the heaviest iron either, but his path to the title has been far more difficult and he twice at least faced down (and beat up) Arreola to finally win the WBC strap. I believe Wilder will hurt Stiverne early but that is when the fight will begin not end and that will be Wilder's undoing. Faced with a relentless opponent who can punch a bit himself, Wilder will eventually run into trouble like he's never encountered before and, like Michael Grant a number of years ago, have no idea how to get out of it. Stiverne by TKO 10."

DC Reeves, Tuscaloosa News, (Wilder): "This will be both Wilder and Stiverne's toughest test by far, which may slow the action in the first couple rounds. But it's only fitting that a fight between these two ends in a KO. Wilder will get a chance to connect that punishing right hand, and like many of the 32 opponents prior learned, it is often too much to overcome. Wilder wins by KO 6.''

Mark Whicker, Los Angeles News Group, (Stiverne): "For Wilder, it's difficult to go from Slippery Rock to the Southeastern Conference. Stiverne in seven.''

Michael Rosenthal, Ring Online, (Wilder): "This is a tough one. Stiverne is the more-experienced, more-advanced fighter even though Wilder has had more pro fights. The Haitian-Canadian had a solid amateur career, worked his way up the heavyweight ranks and has had some big fights. Wilder, an Olympic medalist, also had amateur experience but is still evolving as a boxer and hasn't faced a significant test. His principle weapon is ridiculous punching power, with which he has stopped all 32 of his opponents. I think it comes down to this: Who will land the first big punch? I have a feeling that it will be Wilder who will hurt Stiverne and finish the job. Wilder by fifth-round knockout.''

Matthew Aguilar, El Paso Times, (Stiverne): "Wilder has some similarities to Gerry Cooney -- big, powerful, exciting and undefeated. Unfortunately, he shares something else with Cooney -- a lack of top-flight opposition. When your biggest win is a questionable blowout of Malik Scott, there are some questions to answer. Stiverne, while not Larry Holmes, has a profoundly better resume. That'll help him overcome a significant size disadvantage. He'll survive Wilder's early-rounds assault to hand Alabama its second big loss of the year, flattening Deontay in the seventh."

Damian Calhoun, Orange County Register, (Stiverne): "This should be an explosive fight for as long as it lasts. Wilder certainly has the KO power to end a fight early as his 32 knockouts can attest. However, he hasn't faced a fighter as complete as Stiverne. Stiverne will have to get inside to offset the reach advantage of Wilder. Once that happens, he does a good job diversifying his attack, upstairs and to the body. In the end, look for him to defeat Wilder by late stoppage.''

Martin Rogers, USA Today, (Wilder): "This is clearly Wilder's biggest test to date but I think his power is the real deal and that more big things lay ahead. I'll take him to win by KO 5.''

Colin Hart, The Sun, London (Wilder): "Wilder will knock out Stiverne in round three. It would put America firmly back on the heavyweight map. It would also mean Wilder hasn't got a china chin."

Lem Satterfield, Ring Online, (Wilder): "I expect the 6-foot-7 Wilder to fight tall in this fight and to use his athleticism to remain at a distance, allowing him room to maneuver the 6-foot-3 Stiverne into long-range shots. If Wilder hasn't learned how to clinch -- and there is no sure way of knowing that based on his fights -- that could spell trouble for him if Stiverne is able to land flush. But I think that Wilder will employ the experience gained from past sparring sessions with Wladimir Klitschko, as well as that from his 6-foot-2 co-trainer, Mark Breland, a former Olympic gold medalist and welterweight champion. Wilder wins by KO 6."

Norm Frauenheim, The Ring/15rounds.com (Wilder): "Wilder wins by KO 4: A smaller Stiverne wins if his better skillset takes the fight beyond the sixth round, but he won't get there because Wilder's proven power will land very early and leave him open for a KO shot before the halfway point."

Kelsey McCarson, Bleacher Report, (Wilder): "I like Wilder by knockout in round 6. While it's true Wilder hasn't faced anyone the caliber of Stiverne yet in his career, it's also true that Stiverne hasn't ever faced someone as talented as Wilder. Wilder is big, strong and an incredible athlete. Moreover, he was brought along slowly by manager Jay Deas and trainer Mark Breland so that he could work on the finer points of the sweet science. He's improved much over the last couple of years, and I think he's primed to become a significant force in the heavyweight division.''

Ken Miller, Los Angeles Sentinel, (Stiverne): "I know that Wilder has an unblemished record and is represented by the powerful Al Haymon, but he's just an amateur masquerading as a professional heavyweight. All of a sudden his boisterous bold predictions of what he will do to Stiverne has dwindled to raspy whispers and on Jan. 17 at the MGM Grand they will go silent when he tumbles to the canvas within five rounds. Stiverne by resounding KO.''

Jeff Powell, Daily Mail UK, (Wilder): "Stiverne will have to settle for the satisfaction of being the first heavyweight to take the Alabama banger beyond four rounds, but the weight of America's expectations will be behind what is already the heaviest punch in boxing. Wilder by sixth-round knockout.''

Tim Smith, Co-Host Going The Distance, Sirius XM Radio, (Wilder): "Wilder wins by fifth-round TKO. I think Wilder's untested chin will hold up long enough for him to unleash his own bombs.''

Steve Kim, Undisputed Network Live, (Stiverne): "I think Wilder is certainly a natural puncher but I like the seasoning and experience of Stiverne to steadily wear down Wilder and win by mid-to-late KO.''

Karl Freitag, Fightnews.com, (Wilder): "On Jan. 17, we'll find out whether Wilder is real or not when he steps up in class to challenge WBC champion Stiverne. How big of a step up is it? Setting aside his two fights with Chris Arreola, Stiverne's resume isn't that much different than Wilder's and the champ has been kayoed by journeyman Demetrious King and fought to a draw with journeyman Charles Davis. It says here that Wilder is real enough to go to 33-0, 33 KOs and take home the WBC belt.''

Anson Wainwright, Ring Online, (Stiverne): "Very interesting fight; we don't really know what Wilder is made of, this is a huge step-up fight for him. He has the power to knock anyone out but rumors persist about his chin and we don't know about his stamina. That said, I'm going with the tried and tested Stiverne, who may have to see his way through a couple of dicey moments early on but I see him clipping Wilder by the mid rounds and forcing the stoppage. Stiverne wins by TKO 5.''

Mohammed Mubarak, Electronic Urban Report (eurweb.com), (Stiverne): "This is going to be the biggest test in Wilder's career as he's going against a real puncher who can also take a punch. Although he does have an impressive ring record with all knockouts and is undefeated, everyone knows this guy hasn't been put in deep water yet as none of his fights have gone past four rounds. On the other hand, Stiverne is a real puncher who knows how to fight a tall guy as we saw in his two bouts with Arreola. Stiverne by knockout.''

Armando Alvarez, Telemundo Sports, (Wilder): "This should be an entertaining heavyweight fight, and we all know the division is in need of one. Wilder is the Great American Hope for the maximum division in the sport, and he should claim a world title against Stiverne. It won't be easy though. Stiverne has enough skills to give the taller Wilder trouble. He has solid movement for a big man, and can throw from several angles. Midway through the fight I think Wilder's power, height and reach will become a major problem for Stiverne as he begins to slow. Eventually Wilder will catch Stiverne and drop him once, twice, or a few times en route to a TKO victory in the sixth.''

Percy Crawford, FightHype.com, (Stiverne): "I have to go with the guy that has dealt with some adversity and resistance during his career. I think it has come way too easy for Wilder at this stage in the game and Stiverne will be able to capitalize on some mistakes made by Wilder and his lack of experience with high level competition. Stiverne by TKO 7.''

Matt Richardson, Fightnews.com, (Stiverne): "I am super excited for this fight for one reason: it all but guarantees a good, old-fashioned heavyweight slugfest. Someone is definitely getting knocked out. And while I think it would be better for boxing if Wilder -- a heavy-hitting, American Olympian who actually comes in shape -- won the fight, I don't think he will. There has to be a reason why he has fought so many Tijuana cab drivers and that's probably because he has a Michael Grant-level chin. Against Stiverne that will be evident pretty quickly. Maybe I'm wrong and Wilder will be the next big American heavyweight star but I don't think I will be. Stiverne will win an exciting fight, definitely by knockout, probably within four rounds.''

Gunnar Meinhardt, Die Welt/Welt am Sonntag (Germany), (Stiverne): "Stiverne wins by eighth-round knockout. He has more experience and is the harder puncher.''

Michael Woods, Sweet Science, (Stiverne): "One guy is green. The other isn't. I will like the chances of the man who has proved he can handle solid pros, Stiverne, until if and when Wilder shows me his power works against solid pugilists, of which Stiverne is. I like Stiverne to take Wilder deep and show him his resume wasn't a proper prep for this opportunity.''

James Slater, Fightnews.com, (Wilder): "This is the acid test for Wilder. His power is frightening but we don't know how well he takes a good shot himself. Also, how will Wilder's stamina hold up if the more experienced Stiverne can take him into the later rounds? It looks like Wilder's fight early, Stiverne's late. I go for Wilder to score another sizzling KO inside five rounds."

Marcus Villegas, The Boxing Channel/Fight Hub TV, (Stiverne): "I expect a very good and exciting fight. Power is always the X factor in any fight but I feel Stiverne is a very overlooked and underrated heavyweight. He is solid in a lot areas and I feel that can put him over in the fight. Wilder, as always, has power as his wild card but I do not expect this fight to go the full 12 rounds.''

Tony Paige, WFAN Radio, (Wilder): "Wilder by early KO."

John Raspanti, Maxboxing.com, (Stiverne): "I see this as a 50-50 fight. Is Stiverne's chin strong enough to absorb Wilder's shots? Will Wilder fade if he's forced to go into the later rounds? I'm going with Stiverne to hang tough and stop Wilder late.''

Miguel Maravilla, FightNews.com, (Wilder): "This will definitely be an explosive, exciting heavyweight fight reminiscent of the 70's, 80,'s, and 90's. Both fighters have a high KO percentage and promise to bring it. I see Wilder's height and reach being a problem for Stiverne, who will be coming at the taller Wilder setting himself up for a stoppage. Wilder by stoppage 5th or 6th round.''

Steve Haywood, ESPN Wisconsin, (Wilder): "The first left hook that connects will set the fighter up to win the fight and I think that will be Wilder with his size and reach.''

Ariel Shnerer, Fight Network, (Wilder): "Wilder is the far more physically imposing specimen and he'll enjoy a sizeable height and reach advantage over the reigning champion. Stiverne packs significant power, but Wilder's technical expertise will carry him throughout the fight. The heavy-handed challenger has never been taken into deep water, having finished all 32 of his foes inside four rounds, but he should rise to the occasion, keeping Stiverne at bay by working behind a stiff, long jab. He'll put on a boxing clinic before punctuating the most impressive win of his career with a showcase of raw power, as he stops Stiverne with a potent combination in the fourth round."

Phil D. Jay, World Boxing News, (Wilder): "I believe Stiverne will represent Wilder's toughest test by a long way, but for me this will be the challenger's breakout night. Stiverne has the skills to do what no other opponent has done before and go past four rounds with the big-punching Wilder, although a mid-to-late stoppage is in the cards with the WBC title changing hands.''

David Finger, Fightnews.com (Wilder): "The thing about Stiverne is that he really raises his game to another level against top level opposition, and I feel Wilder is hands down the best fighter he has ever stepped into the ring against. So we will be seeing the Stiverne who fought Arreola as opposed to the one who struggled with Willie Herring and Charles Davis. There is no way Stiverne will come into this fight mentally unprepared. That said, I really think there is something special about Wilder. Although some have questioned the caliber of his opposition, nobody is questioning his punching power. I think we will see a new superstar explode onto the scene on Jan. 17. Wilder by fifth round TKO.''

Damon Bingham, Undisputed Champion Network, (Stiverne): "I think Stiverne is battle tested whereas Wilder hasn't had top competition. I think Stiverne is stronger.

Nick Chamberlain, SaddoBoxing.com, (Stiverne): "Stiverne looked good twice against Arreola, and although on the downward spiral, Arreola is still the best fighter on either Stiverne's or Wilder's resume. It would be pretty safe to assume that Wilder will look to use his height and reach advantage, stay on the outside and pick Stiverne off with the jab. Stiverne has gone into the second half of a 12-round fight on more than one occasion, and has stoppages there, while Wilder hasn't gone past the fourth. Stiverne will go through the gears as the fight progresses and stop Wilder in the late rounds.''

Corey Quincy, Boxing World Magazine/Ringnews24.com, (Stiverne): "Uncertainty leads me to pick Stiverne. Stiverne battled through all that Arreola could throw at him, while Wilder has yet to acquire such a win on his resume. I don't know how he will cope when Stiverne lands his right hand. I also don't know how he'll cope with Stiverne's counter-punching and veteran dexterity. He's powerful, grizzled, but also very tricky in the ring -- an awfully dangerous puzzle to solve without prior experience in doing so. Don't blink! Stiverne TKO 5 over Wilder.''

I think Wilder will bide his time and then take Wilder down. He was patient and methodical against Arreola and he can pull a similar job here. There's a lot of pressure on Wilder. Look what effect that had on David Price - another unbeaten puncher who looked like Joe Louis against the Audleys of the world.

Its sad to say but Wlad deals way both pretty easily

AdamT wrote:Its sad to say but Wlad deals way both pretty easily

Wilder would do better against him (of the two). He's more unpredictable - not as polished (which could be a bonus against someone as technical as Wlad).

You do get the feeling, though, that one crack on the jaw could do for Wilder.

That's the problem, apparently his chin is glass. Saying that if Wilder cracked Wlad, he's f....d.

Hopefully Joshua is the real deal. I wum on old fighters but seriously the division is bad now.

AdamT wrote:That's the problem, apparently his chin is glass. Saying that if Wilder cracked Wlad, he's f....d.

Hopefully Joshua is the real deal. I wum on old fighters but seriously the division is bad now.

He looks it but we need to see him in with a Tony Thompson to see if he can handle being hit back.

They've made Zelenoff mandatory for the winner..

Probably a step up in class Truss

He's the US version of Hammersmith Harrier....

hazharrison wrote:I think Wilder will bide his time and then take Wilder down. He was patient and methodical against Arreola and he can pull a similar job here. There's a lot of pressure on Wilder. Look what effect that had on David Price - another unbeaten puncher who looked like Joe Louis against the Audleys of the world.

Another self destructing wannabe.

A Stiverne win would be depressing as hell.

All-Access...........Wilder v Stiverne

John Bloody Wayne wrote:

hazharrison wrote:I think Wilder will bide his time and then take Wilder down. He was patient and methodical against Arreola and he can pull a similar job here. There's a lot of pressure on Wilder. Look what effect that had on David Price - another unbeaten puncher who looked like Joe Louis against the Audleys of the world.

Another self destructing wannabe.

Must admit that made me chuckle out loud on the train. Now back to cursing about the two retards who seem to think the whole carriage wants to hear what their weekend plans are amongst other irrelevant things like football

Wilder isn't exactly Klitchko when it comes to technical ability, obviously. However, it seems that some people just have it as a given that Stiverne is going to be able to get inside whenever he wants against Wilder. Up to now Wilder hasn't faced anybody willing to try and close the distance which has suited him because he's been getting full extension on his punches and causing damage, so it'll be interesting to see how he adapts to a guy who maybe pushes him back.

However, could this pressure approach see a new side of Wilder's game come to the fore? Stiverne doesn't exactly have Haye's foot speed so I would imagine that IF Wilder wanted to keep it at distance rather than just try and blast Stiverne out early, then I think he could well do that as I'd give him the edge in hand and foot speed here. If his corner are telling him that he can just blast Stiverne away in the first 3 like he has everybody else then they shouldn't be coaching. Yes of course that's a possibility but they shouldn't be relying on it.

I predict a cagey start from Wilder in which he'll try and keep his distance for the first 3 or 4 rounds during which time I think Stiverne will take some big shots when trying to close the distance. He'll have his own successes but ultimately I think Wilder wears him down and stops him around the 7th or 8th.

Looking at the face off Wilder is a lot taller than Stiverne.

The only doubt for me is Wilder's chin. Îf he can take a dig from Stiverne he looks good for the win.

There's a load of question marks against wilder. We've no idea if he gasses after 4 rounds, no idea... just sparring stories... as to whether he can hold a punch. Though the weight of rumour indicates maybe he doesn't.

Could he spark stiverne early? Of course he could. Could he win a fight that goes longer than 5 rounds? We don't know. Whereas we know stiverne can. 

Wilder early and stiverne mid to late are the obvious calls, but given the unknowns about wilder any result is possible... And stiverne has a good early ko record.

cagey 12 round borefest it is then!

CallMeBenji wrote:Wilder isn't exactly Klitchko when it comes to technical ability, obviously. However, it seems that some people just have it as a given that Stiverne is going to be able to get inside whenever he wants against Wilder. Up to now Wilder hasn't faced anybody willing to try and close the distance which has suited him because he's been getting full extension on his punches and causing damage, so it'll be interesting to see how he adapts to a guy who maybe pushes him back.

However, could this pressure approach see a new side of Wilder's game come to the fore? Stiverne doesn't exactly have Haye's foot speed so I would imagine that IF Wilder wanted to keep it at distance rather than just try and blast Stiverne out early, then I think he could well do that as I'd give him the edge in hand and foot speed here. If his corner are telling him that he can just blast Stiverne away in the first 3 like he has everybody else then they shouldn't be coaching. Yes of course that's a possibility but they shouldn't be relying on it.

I predict a cagey start from Wilder in which he'll try and keep his distance for the first 3 or 4 rounds during which time I think Stiverne will take some big shots when trying to close the distance. He'll have his own successes but ultimately I think Wilder wears him down and stops him around the 7th or 8th.

Stiverne won't attempt to close the distance on him - Wilder coming onto him is exactly what he wants.

Wilder would be better served making Stiverne lead but I can't see that happening. Either he chins him in the first six rounds or he could be struggling.

Haye drew Wilder's leads when they sparred in the run-up to the aborted Fury fights and Haye tagged him on numerous occasions making Wilder look stupid in the process. There's a complete lack of finesse and grace (along with technical ability) from Wilder and it's only a matter of time before a fighter with the speed and reflexes of someone like Haye or the ability to withstand the early onslaught of Wilder takes him to the f*cking cleaners.

Whether that man is Stiverne, we'll have to wait and see

I even watched the "fight" with him and uber-troll Charlie Z and it was embarrassing to see how many times Wilder failed to hit this idiot cleanly.

milkyboy wrote:There's a load of question marks against wilder. We've no idea if he gasses after 4 rounds, no idea... just sparring stories... as to whether he can hold a punch. Though the weight of rumour indicates maybe he doesn't.

Could he spark stiverne early? Of course he could. Could he win a fight that goes longer than 5 rounds? We don't know. Whereas we know stiverne can. 

Wilder early and stiverne mid to late are the obvious calls, but given the unknowns about wilder any result is possible... And stiverne has a good early ko record.

cagey 12 round borefest it is then!

I'd be surprised if this fight goes 6 rounds. Somebodies jaw is getting cracked.

My concern is with the referee. If Stiverne goes down after an early barrage is he going to be given time to recover or will the ref leap in far too early THINKING that Stiverne is more badly hurt than he actually is.

I can see Stiverne hitting the deck a couple of time before hopefully weathering the storm and taking Deontay "No Plan B" Wilder out.

I would say though Milky, if a fighter has to go past four rounds for the first time in his first championship fight... don't expect him to. He's only about 230lbs though, which isn't top range for a heavyweight, so you'd think if he's put effort into it, barring an unknown pathology, theres no physiological reason for him not to go twelve as long as he doesn't think he's a welterweight like David Price.

Indeed raf. He's more basketball player build than fighter build. Looking at him you'd think he'd have the lungs but not the punch resistance... A Michael grant maybe. Gut feel is he'll punch himself out, gas and get worked over if he doesn't do the business early himself... Unless he's done enough damage early to take the fight out if stiverne.

Too many variables and unknowns for this to be a safe bet for anyone... But if you were to, coxy's bet on them both inside 4 rounds doesn't look a bad one.

Changed my sky contract a month back... Haven't got a clue if I've still got boxnation!

DAVE667 wrote:My concern is with the referee. If Stiverne goes down after an early barrage is he going to be given time to recover or will the ref leap in far too early THINKING that Stiverne is more badly hurt than he actually is.

I can see Stiverne hitting the deck a couple of time before hopefully weathering the storm and taking Deontay "No Plan B" Wilder out.

Is the referee British?

Be more concerned if he was American

I'm going for Stiverne, but both guys have the power to take the other out. I might be way off but I see a moment where Stiverne perhaps plays possum and allows himself to be pushed back onto the ropes and tee'd off on. However, I see Wilder getting over zealous, presenting Stiverne with the opportunity to counter and drop him with something on the inside. If that happens, I doubt Wilder has the survival skills to get through it. I also think Stiverne is strong mentally and won't go in there to lay down. I can see him displaying patience as well as a surprisingly good defence. Either that or he gets sparked out early! One thing's sure, I can't see this going the distance.