On Saturday, January 16, 2016, undefeated WBC Heavyweight champion, Deontay Wilder (35-0, 34 KOs) defends his title in a 12-round bout against once-beaten Polish contender, Artur Szpilka (20-1, 15 KOs).
The fight will headline a Showtime Championship Boxing card at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.
Wilder had a successful 2015, going 3-0 starting with his title victory over former champion Bermane Stiverne on January 17.
The Alabama native went on to defeat two lower-tier opponents in Eric Molina and Johann Duhaupas, but this year he seems poised to face stiffer competition and unify the division.
“The division is definitely alive, and I’m looking to claim it all,” said Wilder during a media conference call last week.
“I could put everything I got in the bank on my abilities and skill and will,” said Wilder. “There’s no other Heavyweight in the division like me, especially when it comes into the athletic department. I’m the most athletic Heavyweight in the division.”
Wilder’s athleticism could certainly prove to be key for him against potential foes like Wladimir Klitschko, Tyson Fury and Alexander Povetkin.
But before Wilder can consider taking on any of those high-profile names, he must deal with the challenger in front of him.
Szpilka’s only loss came at the hands of Bryant Jennings in January of 2014, but since then the Polish big man has gone 4-0 with three of his victories coming inside the distance.
Szpilka has not kept quiet in the build up to the fight, confidently claiming that he will shock the tough-talking champion.
“Whatever Deontay is saying just makes no sense,” said Szpilka. “I don’t believe in his words, and I will be able to prove it in the ring on the 16th. But for now, it’s just talk by Deontay.”
The Heavyweight division has historically been the most high-profile group in boxing and Wilder knows that if he continues steamrolling opponents, he can gain more notoriety among fans.
“I want to get back to my knockout days,” said Wilder. “Last year my hand was about 85% when I defended my title. Now it’s, looking back, strong as ever. It’s back to 100%, and I’m looking to go back to where I used to be–four rounds or under.”
Although Wilder has been criticized for his level of opposition, a highlight-reel win over a solid contender like Szpilka would be a great way to kick off the year.
“2016 belongs to Deontay Wilder, where he will unify the division,” said Wilder. “There hasn’t been one since 1999. That was Lennox Lewis. Now I must make history. I can’t let any man get in my way from that.”
Photo by Heather Durham
