For many years, America has been crying out for a homegrown fighter who can finally undo the Ukrainian stranglehold on the iconic Heavyweight division, which has always been so greatly associated with the 50 states of the U.S.
On Saturday night, that endless wait could at long last be over, as the man with a sense of history on his shoulders is Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder.
The heavy-handed American is aiming for a dominant victory against his fierce rival, Haitian born WBC Heavyweight Champion Bermane “B Ware” Stiverne. However, even though Wilder has been steamrolling through his opponents, we must wonder does he have what it takes to dethrone the battle hardened Stiverne?
The undefeated bomber has been a much-needed shot in the arm for a dull division, which used to be so prosperous. Since turning pro, the 29 year old has pummelled all of his 32 opponents within just four rounds, proving that his devastating one-punch power is not to be underestimated.
Wilder’s utter destruction of the likes of Malik Scott and Nicolai Firtha have generated a genuine buzz around the heavyweight scene again, which has been severely lacking for many years. Despite this, with many questions still unanswered and his date with destiny less than a week away, the jury is still out as to whether the Tuscaloosa native can take a punch, especially a sledgehammer blow from an uncompromising Stiverne.
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When Stiverne stepped into the ring to face Chris Arreola on May 10, 2014 for the WBC Heavyweight title, the 36 year old was preparing to make history by becoming the first Haitian born Heavyweight world champion. In one of the most entertaining heavyweight clashes of the past decade, Stiverne landed a solid right cross in the sixth round of an enthralling battle which spelt the end for Arreola and a fresh beginning for the new WBC king.
B Ware is now looking to dispose of the talkative Wilder so he can then set his sights on the true Heavyweight ruler, Wladimir Klitschko and unify the most illustrious weight category. But is Stiverne misjudging the unquestionable power of his fresh faced opponent or does he have what it takes to halt the Wilder runaway train?
Photo by Showtime
Stiverne vs. Wilder has gathered significant pace throughout the past weeks due to the hatred shown between the two men. Stiverne has recently made it abundantly clear that he is in no way a fan of the Bronze Bomber, labeling him a clown to the media.
When the two men finally meet in the ring though, Wilder’s style is somewhat of a concern, as he seems to throw a copious amount of punches in an unconventional style as if he is throwing through fear of his chin being exposed.
If this is the case, then Wilder could inevitably leave himself open for a successful uppercut from Stiverne, which would definitely test the chin of the unbeaten American.
Nevertheless, as Bermane Stiverne enters the belly of the beast on Saturday night, the question remains, will the Bronze Bomber finally lift the long standing curse and become the new Heavyweight champion of the world? Or will America’s wait for a home-grown world champion go on?
