Sunday 18 January 2015

Deontay Wilder crowned WBC heavyweight champion.

Last night at the MGM in Las Vegas, heavyweight challenger Deontay Wilder took a well deserved unanimous points decision over WBC champion Bermane Stiverne to become Americas first heavyweight title claimant since 2006. It was the first heavyweight title fight to be held at the venue since 1997, when Evander Holyfield won his controversial return fight with Mike Tyson by DQ. In winning the title Wilder answered a whole questionnaire of unknowns concerning his capabilities to take a shot, go past 4 rounds (all of Deontays previous 32 wins came inside 4 rounds) ability to fight under pressure against a top rank opponent, all questions were answered in the affirmative.. Bermane took Deontays initial onslaught unmoved and even when visually hurt, the cast iron Haitian fought with the heart of a lion. Wilder built a significant points lead after 5 and it left Stiverne a huge mountain to climb, as well as trying to get past Deontays telephone pole jab. After 7 the Alabama man seemed to tire which offered the champion an opportunity to make up for lost rounds, but his inability to cut off the ring left the result without doubt as Wilder stormed into the final round still trying to engage, against his corners wishes. There was no bravado at the end from Stiverne, he knew his reign had come to an end as the 29 year old Olympian became the newest US holder of the coveted green belt. Wilder scornfully shouted at cameras, "Who can't go twelve rounds, who can't take a shot.." A highly articulate addition to the heavyweight championship picture Deontay is a likeable man, with an infectious smile..  Bermane simply had no words after the fact, "it wasn't my day, I wasn't 100%, no head movement like I wanted, no combinations! it wasn't me."  Congratulations to team Wilder, head coach and former 1984 Olympic hero Mark Breland for a successful challenge and hopefully a colourful reign.

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