Barclay’s Center; Brooklyn, New York
They say “be careful for what you wish for, because you might just get it”. And in theory to become a champion, you must go through everyone to get that, and stay that way. But then you enter in business politics and a bit of a fear factor, and that ends that path. Now we will see just who wins the Wilder sweepstakes after Deontay flatlined Robert Helenius.
“The Bronze Bomber” is insistent of only massive fights. And that is something he’s right on in what should be what remains of his three-year career. There is no time to take on some young unproven talent lowly ranked. But there is a problem he’s going to face.
He’s a victim of his own gift. That thunder stick of a right hand is fully back. And if he truly has bought into Malik Scott’s training and game plans, it will test just how serious the rest of the division is. As he said many times this week; “they went back to the basics”. Being on the back foot and countering. The patience that shows to allow an opponent to walk into the kill zone is impressive.
Who Wins The Wilder Sweepstakes… Lots Of Names, But Not A Lot Of Takers
When he had the chance, Joseph Parker bowed out. Joe Joyce is hot right now, but doesn’t have the resume. So although he’s dropped two-in-a-row to Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua has the resume, name, and backing that should stand across from him. Plus if being fair, he very much has the boxing skills. However, you have to wonder if Al Haymon and Eddie Hearn can play nice together.
Although that would be the case with many possible opponents. Including the champion. While one can bring in a zillion southpaws to spar, before facing Usyk it may be beneficial to face one for real in the ring. Zhang Zhilei fits the bill. While he recently took his only loss, he doesn’t have anywhere near the chin strength. Plus that leads to a possible promoter problem. One just has to hope the heavyweights don’t turn the division into another Spence-Crawford situation.
So with that the easiest name is Andy Ruiz. But he’s become a bit of a Jekyl and Hyde type fighter. Either very focused or not at all. With Frank Sanchez winning also by impressive knockout, he’s on the same time table. And a Wilder-Sanchez battle in Cuba could really do a lot for that tiny island.
Was This WBC Title Eliminator Real
The victory over “The Nordic Nightmare” should set Wilder up for a WBC title fight. However the fourth installment of Wilder-Fury can only happen one way. If Wilder can get his hands on Usyk and snag all his belts. With Fury believing (with a good argument) that he won all three-fights, he’d be glad to strap up and do it again. And no matter how focused Wilder may be now, some guys just have another’s number.
Whoever Wilder fights next, that sweepstakes number might be ONE. Also the number of how many rounds they won’t be able to survive through.
Read up on the hottest sports news at: Belly Up Sports. And all things CYCLONE, can be found on: Facebook.
