Wilder makes 4th defence on Saturday against Arreola.

This Saturday sees the highly anticipated return of WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, on home turf once again in Birmingham Alabama..   Deontay is aiming to put the misadventure of the Povetkin saga behind him as he faces tough, two time title challenger Chris Arreola 36/4/1 (31) in what will be his fourth defence of the championship Wilder won in 2014..  Deontay has had a long training camp, initially in preparation for his mandatory 8 weeks ago in Russia, now for a complete change of opponent..  Arreola is a pressure fighter who can appear threatening on his better days, in 2014 Chris fought Bermaine Stiverne in a rematch of a fabulous battle the pair had six months earlier, this time for the vacant WBC title, Arreola had his moments in the fight early, until Stiverne's power settled the argument..  Stivernes first defence was against Wilder, a fight that was to pose questions as to how good Deontay is against a top class fighter. Wilder came through with bright colours, going the full trip for the sole time in his career and proving many of his doubters wrong..  Wilders record stands a perfect 36/0 (35) his title defences thus far have been acceptable, Eric Molina, Johann Duhauppas and Artur Szpilka all started their challenges with promise, yet all three failed to hear the final bell..  Arreola will not be hard to find, but on current form it looks an uphill task, experienced, tough and game, Arreola won't shirk his opportunity, but with so much at stake for the champion, it's hard to see the upset..    One interesting factor regarding the selection of Arreola, is why would a champion who has recently been on the backlash of a drug cheat scandal, choose to defend against a man who himself has been guilty of drug test failures, in even his last bout..   In truth Chris is challenging for the heavyweight title for the third time, on the back of a NC against Travis Kauffman and a draw with the meagre Fred Kassi, it's hardly a prime audition..  Regardless, Wilder v Arreola is on, it should be fun while it lasts..

On the undercard in Birmingham is 6 time female world champion Layla McCarter, having her 57th professional bout and 4th meeting with Melissa Hernandez at welterweight and unbeaten heavyweight Gerald Washington will meet the experienced Ray Austin..